News Highlight
The Finnish Meteorological Institute researchers published their study, concluding that Arctic warming is four times faster than the rest of the planet.
Key takeaway
- The warming is more concentrated in the Eurasian part of the Arctic.
- For example, the Barents Sea north of Russia and Norway is warming at an alarming rate—seven times faster than the global average.
What is Arctic amplification?
- Over the past 30 years, the Arctic has warmed at roughly twice the rate as the entire globe, a phenomenon known as Arctic amplification.
- This means that global warming and climate change are impacting the Arctic more than the rest of the world.
Reasons for Arctic amplification
- Change in Albedo:
- Albedo is a measure of how much light that hits a surface is reflected without being absorbed.
- When bright and reflective ice melts, it gives way to a darker ocean; this amplifies the warming trend because the ocean surface absorbs more heat from the sun than the surface of snow and ice.
- Changing ocean currents:
- Ocean currents typically bring in warmer water from the Pacific and colder water exits from the Arctic into the Atlantic.
- However, such currents may change because more melting ice injects the Arctic Ocean with fresh water.
- Changing Weather:
- Ocean currents also drive the polar jet stream, which moves hot and cold air masses around the northern hemisphere.
- This happens due to temperature differences between the Arctic and the tropics.
- But as the Arctic warms, the jet stream now undulates wildly north and south, due to which the Arctic gets warm air.
Consequences of Arctic warming
- Rise in the sea level:
- The sea level rise can subsume island countries and major coastal cities.
- Acidification of water:
- The warming of the Arctic Ocean and the seas in the region, the acidification of water, and changes in the salinity levels are impacting biodiversity, including marine species and dependent species.
- Amplify global warming:
- The permafrost in the Arctic is thawing and, in turn, releasing carbon and methane which are among the major greenhouse gases responsible for global warming.
- The emergence of new diseases:
- Experts fear that the thaw and the melt will also release the long dormant bacteria and viruses that were trapped in the permafrost and could potentially give rise to diseases.
What is the impact on India?
- Extreme rainfall events:
- The changes in the atmospheric circulation due to diminishing sea ice combined with the warm temperatures in the Arabian Sea contribute to enhanced moisture and drive extreme rainfall events.
- Sea level rise on the Indian coast:
- According to the World Meteorological Organisation’s report, ‘State of Global Climate in 2021’, sea level along the Indian coast is rising faster than the global average rate.
- One of the primary reasons for this rise is the melting of sea ice in the polar regions, especially the Arctic.
Content Source: The Hindu