31 January 2025
World Water Series – Water, Water Everywhere – The North Pole
When we think of the North Pole, vast ice landscapes and polar bears often come to mind. Known as the most northernly point of the Arctic, this icy region within the Arctic Circle plays a vital role in global ecosystems, regulating weather patterns and influencing our ocean currents. However, rising temperatures are causing alarming levels of ice to melt, drastically changing the landscape.
More Than Just Ice
In the Arctic, there are two seasons, summer, and winter. Summer brings 24-hour sunlight but not warm enough to melt all the ice, as the sun does not get high enough in the horizon. Winters are dark, windy, and bitterly cold.
The North Pole consists of no land but ice up to 5 metres thick. The Arctic tundra areas, have a thin layer of soil beneath the permafrost and when summer comes it melts allowing grasses, mosses, and Arctic poppies to grow.
The Arctic is also home to a variety of unique land and marine animals including polar bears, Arctic hares, foxes, seals, walruses, whales, birds, and reindeer. Many species are now endangered, and many others are struggling to adapt to the rapidly changing conditions.
The Melting Ice: A Global Concern
Ice caps act as natural regulators when temperatures rise but due to carbon emissions they begin to melt. As sea ice thins, sea levels rise and disrupt currents that affect coastal areas and marine ecosystems. The Arctic Ocean, known for its oil reserves, overfishing, and transport routes, is suffering significant environmental impacts.
Ice melt is not caused by seasonal changes but as a result from glaciers pouring into the oceans, raising water levels, and altering the dynamics of the Arctic environment. Since the 1970’s, satellite records have shown a rapid decrease in Arctic ice. In 1979, the surface area was 7.22 million square kilometres, but by 2016, it had shrunk to 4.68 million square kilometres. Research shows that every tonne of CO2 emitted by a person, no matter where they live, contributes to ice melt.
What is Being Done to Help
Efforts to mitigate this include developing renewable energy, improving maritime practices, protecting habitats, and scientific research.
Steps We Can Take to Reduce Our Carbon Footprint
- Reduce Fossil Fuel Use: Cut down on oil, coal, and natural gas consumption. Opt for energy-efficient transportation and consider activities closer to home.
- Shop Smart: Choose products with minimal packaging, bring reusable bags, and buy only what you need, prioritising local produce. Try swapping some meat dishes for vegetarian options to lower your carbon footprint.
- Cut Waste: Recycle, reuse, eat leftovers and start composting food scraps to reduce landfill.
- Save Energy: Make your home energy efficient with well-rated appliances and fittings, insulate, turn off unused electronics, use thermostats, shut doors and curtains, and draft proof your home.
While we all need water to survive, the water in the North Pole must remain frozen for the health of the planet. Whether we are individuals or corporations, we can all contribute to reducing carbon emissions to keep that ice intact. Environmental organisations are working hard to protect the Arctic, a region critical not only for wildlife but for its global significance. Let’s do our part!
