It is a stark reality that Arctic sea ice could disappear in the summer sometime
between 2013 and 2040. Regardless of exactly when the summer ice will disappear,
the downward trend is clear, and shrinking ice cover will change almost everything
in the Arctic, and will also be felt globally.
Some Arctic species, such as
narwhal, hooded and ringed seals,
walrus
and
polar bears
are very dependent on particular ice conditions. They evolved over thousands of
years to fit very specific Arctic ice conditions. Now, in a matter of decades those
conditions are changing radically. The loss of Arctic ice jeopardizes the very survival
of these ice-dependent species.
Ice loss effects will cascade through the entire Arctic food chain. Ice margins
are among the most productive zones on Earth, and are central to the food chain,
including fish, birds, and mammals. The effects of ice loss are already being felt
internationally, especially through changes to the feeding grounds of migratory
birds and fish stocks.
Ice provides an important travel route for Arctic land-based species such as
caribou
and
muskox, allowing them to travel between islands and mainland
areas.The loss of sea ice opens up larger parts of the Arctic Ocean to activities
such as shipping and exploitation of non-renewable resources such as oil and gas.
These activities are likely to add further stresses to Arctic ecosystems already
feeling the effects of climate change.
The absence of sea ice along Arctic shorelines increases erosion of such areas,
washing away infrastructure and even threatening entire coastal communities.The
loss and changes in distribution of species are likely to have a profound effect
on Arctic peoples who rely on such resources to survive.
Local Environment gallery, photos of team and expedition.