Global warming

Definition

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, particularly the release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. This phenomenon is significantly impacting the Arctic region, leading to drastic environmental changes, melting ice caps, and alterations in wildlife habitats.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Arctic is warming at more than twice the global average rate, leading to significant impacts on ecosystems and indigenous communities.
2. Melting glaciers and ice sheets contribute to rising sea levels, which pose a threat to coastal areas worldwide.
3. As temperatures rise, the distribution of animal species is shifting, affecting migration patterns and food sources in the Arctic.
4. Increased global temperatures can lead to more extreme weather events, which can disrupt life and ecosystems even beyond the Arctic region.
5. The thawing of permafrost releases stored carbon dioxide and methane, further exacerbating global warming and creating a feedback loop.

Review Questions

• How does global warming specifically affect the Arctic ecosystem and its wildlife?
  • Global warming has profound effects on the Arctic ecosystem, leading to habitat loss for species such as polar bears and seals due to melting sea ice. These animals rely on ice-covered regions for hunting and breeding. Additionally, changing temperatures can alter food webs and migration patterns, creating challenges for wildlife survival in a rapidly changing environment.
• Discuss the connection between global warming and pollution in the Arctic, particularly focusing on how these issues interact.
  • Global warming and pollution in the Arctic are interconnected problems. The increase in temperatures accelerates the melting of ice, which can release previously trapped pollutants into the environment. Furthermore, warmer temperatures can enhance the mobility of pollutants, such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants, impacting both terrestrial and marine life. This creates a cycle where climate change exacerbates pollution issues, putting additional stress on vulnerable ecosystems.
• Evaluate the potential long-term consequences of global warming on Arctic communities and their way of life.
  • The long-term consequences of global warming on Arctic communities are substantial, impacting both their traditional lifestyles and economic activities. As ice melts and weather patterns shift, indigenous peoples may face challenges related to hunting, fishing, and gathering. Additionally, infrastructure built on permafrost may become unstable due to thawing soil. These changes could lead to cultural disruptions and force communities to adapt rapidly to a new environment while also facing increasing pressures from outside economic interests drawn by melting ice.

Related terms

greenhouse gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, contributing to global warming.

permafrost: A thick layer of frozen soil found in the Arctic that is beginning to thaw due to rising temperatures, releasing additional greenhouse gases.

climate change:

A broader term that encompasses global warming as well as other changes in climate patterns resulting from human activities.