The Arctic is warming at three times the global rate. The Arctic environment is warming due to increasing carbon dioxide and methane emission. This has a negative impact on plants and animals.
Arctic water will become more acidic if carbon emissions continue to rise. Sea ice melting will be a problem for most seal species as well as walruses. This article will explain how climate change could affect the Arctic environment in Canada.
The Arctic environment is composed of many components. The cryosphere is one component. It is highly sensitive to climate changes. It is composed of permafrost and sea ice, seasonal snowcover, river and lake and glaciers, and the ice caps. Changes in the cryosphere, climate change, and freshwater ecosystems will have an impact on terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems.
Sea ice is being affected by climate change
The annual average area of sea-ice in the Northern Hemisphere has fallen to 7.4 percent. Although models have different projections of Arctic summers that are ice-free, all agree on the fact that these changes will occur.
Also read: How does climate change affect Canada?
Arctic Canada is experiencing climate changes that affect sea ice. These impacts have an impact on the local ecosystems, as well as northern residents, who are affected by their fishing, hunting, or travel. The Canadian Arctic is experiencing decreasing sea ice due to the rising spring air temperature.
Also, read: How is climate change affecting Arctic animals in Canada?
Snow cover is being affected by climate change
Canada has seen a significant decrease in snow cover. Most Canadian areas have seen a reduction of snow cover between 1981 and 2015. The areas with the highest snow water equivalent were in northern Canada, southern Ontario and the Maritimes.
Canada may experience a decrease of snow water equivalent. This could lead to a reduction or in water availability. This can impact agricultural production and also increase forest fire risk.
Winter snow changes can have a significant impact on food sources and wildlife habitats in northern Canada. Traditional activities such as harvesting, hunting, trapping, and hunting can also be affected. These changes can lead to food insecurity, loss or culture, and have an impact on mental health.
Canadian infrastructure can be affected by changes in snow accumulation patterns. Winter recreation sectors such as snowmobiling, skiing, and snowmobiling can be affected by rising temperatures and decreasing snow accumulation.
Also, see: What plans & actions are Canada taking to address climate change?
Climate change impacts on glaciers, ice caps
The increasing surface temperature has made alpine glaciers and Canada’s Arctic retreat. From 1919 to 2006 the glaciers in central and southern Canada’s Rocky Mountains have declined by almost 40 percent.
Between 1950 and 2005, small-sized alpine glaciers of the Torngat Mountains in eastern Canada decreased by 27%. Models of regional land ice project that glaciers and ice cap in the Canadian Arctic will see a decrease in total mass of 18% under a medium emission scenario by 2100.
Also, read: What are Canada’s top climate change issues?
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Bottom line
Permafrost warming is causing Arctic climate to change. It is also affecting the habitat of polar bears, whales, seals, and seabirds. If greenhouse gases and other climate-changing activities continue to be elevated, then we are in serious climate trouble.