Call for change
Journal of Environmental Protection
focus on green living and reducing our environmental impact
Call for change Climate Environment
The environmental threat to the Arctic and its impact on the rest of the world
By ijep on Thursday, March 29, 2018
With the global warming reaching catastrophic levels, this dramatic climatic change is causing the warming up and melting of the Arctic, which has led to other potential dangers for nature there.
The danger is for an increase of pollution as well as exploitation by resource companies which are looking to drilling in the area as the ice is melting and it is easier to approach new sources of oil, gas minerals and hydropower.
Shell has already revealed its plans to drill in the area, and so are other oil and gas drilling companies.
These new sources of fossil fuels will lead to a further increase of the harmful added greenhouse gases causing permanent damage to the atmosphere, the weather and to the world and its population.
Also, the small and unique population and ecosystems of the Arctic are also threatened by the new dangers of pollution, harm, and existence.
Recently Shell said that it is currently stopping its planned project for drilling in the Chukchi Sea which has been considered a major breakthrough by the environmentalists, but unfortunately, the dangers are not all gone for this environmentally sensitive area. Another oil drilling company – Italian Eni has announced a 5.5 billion dollar oil drilling project for the Norwegian Arctic area.
Already, the impact on the environment in the Arctic is becoming evident and is being documented. Reindeer herders in Siberia are reporting the rapid disappearance of the tundra as the frost is melting. The Inuit hunters are worriedly watching as the sea ice disappears in the ocean which is causing changes in the behavior and habits of the sea animals such as the seals.
Sami people no longer can predict the weather in the region either due to the climatic changes which are affecting the entire Arctic area.
Overall, the changes in the climate in the area are now being considered as unpredictable and can pose a serious threat to the infrastructure, the local people and the over 21,000 Arctic animal species.
With a global increase of the temperature levels with an average of 2 degrees Celsius, this tendency is spreading to the Arctic as well. The level of the sea has risen by about 8cm since 2000 due to the melting of the ice. With the melting of the permafrost in the area, a massive release of methane in the atmosphere is expected, which can have a serious effect on the global weather.
Who do Americans trust to help protect the environment?
Twitter Talk
Tweets by @unfccc