The Conflict
The rise of sea levels are accelerating, number of large wildfires are multiplying, dangerous heat waves are increasing, and extreme storm events are enlarging. These consequences will continue to intensify and increasingly impact our planet negativity.
Case Studies:
Alaska- In tundra regions, namely Alaska, a multitude of natural effects tied around climate change have led a decrease of numbers in the ecosystem. Events precipitated by global warming — such as fires and the falling of slopes due to melting permafrost — are ultimately driving the loss of tundra in the Arctic. As according to a Alaskan resident, Bill Sherwonit, the wildfires have had a dramatic impact on those residing in the area, in addition to the wildlife population.
“After peaking at nearly 500,000 caribou in 2003, the Western Arctic Herd — Alaska’s largest — dropped significantly, to an estimated 377,000 animals in 2007. This has alarmed some native Alaska residents, whose subsistence lifestyle depends heavily on caribou,” says Sherwonit.
After the lichen decrease with the fire, the Caribou population has declined rapidly, ultimately impacting the large group of people who structure their lives around them.
Alaska- In tundra regions, namely Alaska, a multitude of natural effects tied around climate change have led a decrease of numbers in the ecosystem. Events precipitated by global warming — such as fires and the falling of slopes due to melting permafrost — are ultimately driving the loss of tundra in the Arctic. As according to a Alaskan resident, Bill Sherwonit, the wildfires have had a dramatic impact on those residing in the area, in addition to the wildlife population.
“After peaking at nearly 500,000 caribou in 2003, the Western Arctic Herd — Alaska’s largest — dropped significantly, to an estimated 377,000 animals in 2007. This has alarmed some native Alaska residents, whose subsistence lifestyle depends heavily on caribou,” says Sherwonit.
After the lichen decrease with the fire, the Caribou population has declined rapidly, ultimately impacting the large group of people who structure their lives around them.
Nunavut - These effects are also present in places such Northern Canada, or more specifically, Nunavut. Environment and Climate Change Canada’s climate data indicates that between the years of 1948 and 2016, average temperatures increased by up to 2.7 degrees Celsius in Nunavut and by 1.7 degrees Celsius in Canada as a whole. This rise of temperatures have caused a multitude of changes to ice conditions, precipitation, and permafrost– a raising conflict because the majority of Nunavut’s communities are built on permafrost. Despite being a small emitter of greenhouse gasses, Nunavut and other tundra regions are some of the first to deal with the drawbacks.
Greenland- Around 2002-2003, Greenland was known to hit a tipping point in which its ice melted at a significant rate– more than ever seen before. However, by 2012, the annual ice loss was “unprecedented” at nearly four times the rate that it was recorded as in 2003. “The Greenland ice sheet is 10,000 feet thick in places and contains enough ice to raise sea levels 23 feet (7 meters). In the 20th century, Greenland has lost around 9,000 billion tons of ice in total, accounting for 25 millimeters of sea-level rise,’’ mentions Environmental Journalist, Stephen Leahy.
Outside of Tundra Regions- Despite seeing a dramatic direct impact on arctic areas, rising temperatures continue to affect us in our day to day lives. Natural disasters, disruptions in food supplies, and health effects are continuing to become more frequent. We are starting to see more wildfires throughout the United States and beyond. With an increase in spring and summer temperatures along with the earlier snow melt, our forests are drying out and getting hotter for a longer period of time– extending wildfire season. On the implications on our health front, these rising temperatures have been seen to lead to air pollution, more frequent heat waves, and an increase in insect borne diseases. “This means that areas already experiencing health-threatening weather and climate phenomena, such as severe heat or hurricanes, are likely to experience worsening impacts, such as higher temperatures and increased storm intensity, rainfall rates, and storm surge,” claims GlobalChange.gov. These consequences ultimately have significant implications on our world’s food supply as the majority of the crops we eat depend and grow based on the climate.
Outside of Tundra Regions- Despite seeing a dramatic direct impact on arctic areas, rising temperatures continue to affect us in our day to day lives. Natural disasters, disruptions in food supplies, and health effects are continuing to become more frequent. We are starting to see more wildfires throughout the United States and beyond. With an increase in spring and summer temperatures along with the earlier snow melt, our forests are drying out and getting hotter for a longer period of time– extending wildfire season. On the implications on our health front, these rising temperatures have been seen to lead to air pollution, more frequent heat waves, and an increase in insect borne diseases. “This means that areas already experiencing health-threatening weather and climate phenomena, such as severe heat or hurricanes, are likely to experience worsening impacts, such as higher temperatures and increased storm intensity, rainfall rates, and storm surge,” claims GlobalChange.gov. These consequences ultimately have significant implications on our world’s food supply as the majority of the crops we eat depend and grow based on the climate.