How Will This Affect Us?

The warming of the Arctic has had serious affects in the region. However, the issues do not end in the Arctic. This region is an extremely complex and vital part of the many world ecosystems. If this habitat is destructed, it will have adverse affects on many regions of the world. First and foremost, ocean levels and currents will be greatly affected. As the ice melts and converts to water, ocean levels around the world will rise. Coastal cities and islands around the world will be jeopardized. Major cities such as London and Los Angeles are expected to be affected. (The Guardian). Additionally, as water absorbs more heat than ice, the ocean will most likely be warmed overall. The warmer ocean temperature will have dramatic affects on marine animals and habitats. (such as the coral reefs).

The white color of the polar ice caps is a great "coolant" of the earth, reflecting much of the sun's rays. The water, on the other hand will absorb this heat. This will work to both warm the earth and contribute to further ice melt. (NASA). In extreme cases,the rising water levels could inundate entire coastal areas, such as the states of Louisiana and Texas. Also, increasing temperatures as part of this cycle could affect crop cycles all over the world. As an example, Kansas' temperature will increase 4 degrees in the winter without cold air masses from the Arctic. These warmer days would decrease the soil's moisture as well as disrupting wheat production, which is reliant on cold winters. (NRDC)

In addition Arctic ice holds huge deposits of stored greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane. As this ice thaws, tons of these gases will be released and trapped in our atmosphere. Additionally, as this process warms the ocean, it could also release frozen natural gas trapped in the ocean's floor. (NASA)

Changes in the arctic will also interrupt "the great conveyer belt", or the process through which ocean currents circulate heat throughout the world. The belt is moved by ocean density differences and wind. The Arctic is one of the major reasons for the ocean density differences. It relies on cooler waters in certain areas of the world to sink where warmer waters rise. If the Arctic is warmed, there will no longer be a difference in densities to power the "conveyer belt". Thus, the ocean currents will circulate less effectively, cooling certain areas dramatically. (Environmental Defense)

The melting Arctic is a major cause of concern for all of us. It must be adressed soon or serious consequences will be faced. "'The big melt has begun," Jennifer Morgan, director of the WWF's global climate change campaign, said in a statement. "Life on Earth will change beyond recognition with the loss of the ice sheet at the north pole and higher sea levels threatening major global cities such as London.'" (The Guardian)