A new climate system is forming in the Arctic?

Yes, Longyearbyen in Norway is located on the Svalbard Islands and downstream of the Longyearbyen Valley. It is located at 78 degrees north latitude and is only 1,300 kilometers away from the North Pole. It is the furthest distance from the North Pole in the world. nearest city.

At one time, the glacier coverage rate here was as high as about 60%, and the island had snow-capped mountains and endless fjords. Today, global warming is having a huge impact on Svalbard. According to Norwegian meteorological data, the island's average winter temperature has increased by 10 degrees Celsius over the past 30 years, causing damage to the entire local ecosystem.

Temperatures are soaring and sea ice is shrinking. Many experts believe the Arctic is changing beyond recognition. Scientists even use the term "New Arctic" to describe the region's rapidly changing natural landscape. This week, a new study confirmed that a new Arctic climate system is forming, Scientific American reports.

Extended information:

Climate change is "ongoing"

The "New Arctic" will become warmer, rainier, and have less ice area . Animals that were common in the past may disappear and be replaced by newly arrived species. Opportunities for humans to use sea ice for hunting and fishing may also be reduced.

In addition, planning for disasters may become increasingly difficult. Previously, planners often looked at past weather data to design disaster infrastructure to ensure it would last for years or withstand a certain level of stress under a disaster. But as the Arctic climate changes, past data are no longer useful for predicting the future.

While this study provides a gloomy picture of the future of global climate, it is not inevitable. Other research suggests that countries around the world could slow or prevent some climate change if they drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the coming decades.

Humanity needs to take immediate action. "For those living in the Arctic, whether humans, animals or plants, climate change is not something in the future," Landerham said. "It's something that's happening right now."

China Youth Daily - 10°C warming in 30 years, "New Arctic" is taking shape