A recent study has shown that the Arctic has experienced increasing environmental warnings over the past forty years, with researchers identifying areas in Siberia, the Canadian Northwest Territories, and Alaska as the most affected by climate change.
According to Bloomberg, the study in the journal "Geophysical Research Letters" highlighted the ecosystems in the Arctic, which are undergoing more rapid and extreme climate changes than any other place on Earth.
The study found that "permafrost," or land that remains frozen throughout the year, is present in many of these areas experiencing rapid environmental changes, and that recent severe temperature increases and droughts have affected these areas.
"Permafrost" is a type of land that remains frozen almost year-round, even in the summer. This phenomenon occurs in areas with harsh climates, such as polar and northern regions, where temperatures are consistently low.
Using long-term geographical data spanning over 30 years, a team of researchers from the Woodwell Climate Research Center, the University of Oslo, the University of Montana, the Institute for Ecosystem Research, and the University of Lida identified the environmental "hotspots" in the Arctic.
The researchers evaluated three key indicators of ecosystem vulnerability: temperature, humidity, and vegetation.
The lead author of the study, Jennifer Watts, director of the Arctic program at Woodwell, said that global warming has imposed significant pressures on ecosystems in cold regions, but its impact varies from place to place. "Identifying these hotspots at the local and regional levels helps us build a more accurate picture of the effects of global warming in the area."
Regarding temperature changes, the study revealed that the largest increases in temperatures between 1997 and 2020 occurred in the eastern Siberian tundra and central Siberia, where 99% of the Eurasian tundra region experienced a significant rise in temperatures.
Some hot spots have also emerged in Siberia and the Canadian northern territories, becoming drier, while other areas in North America, such as Alaska and central Canada, have recorded an increase in flooding.
The study explained that all the points most affected by climate change contain "permafrost," which is prone to melting with rising temperatures, raising concerns about the environmental future of those areas.
When water in the soil or rocks freezes for extended periods, it prevents the natural formation of soil.
Areas such as the tundra, Siberia, the northwestern territories of Canada, and Alaska primarily host these soils. These soils contain significant amounts of organic matter, such as partially decomposed plants and animals, which have not fully decomposed due to low temperatures, thereby serving as a massive carbon reservoir.
Researchers say that "permafrost" was a common factor in all heavily affected areas, which is a worrying indicator of future environmental threats. It is one of the largest carbon reservoirs on Earth. Global warming may cause this permafrost to melt, releasing massive amounts of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane that accelerate climate change.
According to researchers, the melting of "permafrost" could alter the local ecosystem, including its effects on plant and animal species, and cause significant environmental changes like increased flooding from ice melt and rising surface waters.
The study indicated that regional maps of hot change points can be an effective tool for aiding climate management decisions, as they provide an accurate view of the changing conditions on the ground.
