Decline of Arctic Sea Ice: Six Ways Loss of Frozen Seawater Could Affect Humans

Polar ice caps continue to melt as global warming causes climate change. Studies reveal that we are losing Arctic sea ice at almost 13% every decade. Over the past 30 years, the oldest and thickest ice in the Arctic region has declined by 95%.

If human activities such as carbon dioxide emissions continue to rise unchecked, the Arctic is expected to be ice-free in the summer by 2024. More surprisingly, the consequences of this phenomenon do not stay in the Arctic since the loss of frozen seawater has far-reaching impacts worldwide.

1. Extreme Temperatures

Both the Arctic and the Antarctic regions serve as the world's refrigerators. Since they are covered in white ice, which reflects heat into space, they balance out other parts of the planet that absorb heat. Having less ice means less heat is reflected, leading to more intense heat waves around the globe. This also means that more extreme winters can be expected since the polar jet stream is destabilized by warmer air, forcing it to dip south while carrying bitter cold wind.

2. Melting of Permafrost

Sea ice and permafrost in the Arctic region store large amounts of methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. When this frozen water is thawed, the stored methane is released and increases the rate of global warming. As a result, it causes more ice and permafrost to melt, releasing more methane and causing more melting.

3. Threat to Coastal Communities

Since 1900, the global average sea level has risen by 7-8 inches and is still getting worse. Rising seas threaten coastal cities and small island nations by causing floods and storm surges in coastal areas. The ice sheet melting in Greenland is a major predictor of rising sea levels. If it melts completely, global sea levels could rise to 20 feet.

4. Food crisis

Increased heat waves, polar vortexes, and unpredictable weather patterns caused by the loss of Arctic sea ice can significantly damage crops on which the global food systems depend. Such instability can continue and can lead to higher prices of basic commodities.

5. Endangered Wildlife

Less sea ice does not only harm humans but also animals that depend on it for survival. Continuous loss of sea ice in the Arctic region is a major threat to arctic foxes, walruses, polar bears, snowy owls, reindeer, and many other species. If these species become endangered due to the destruction of their habitat, the other species in the upper level of the food chain will also be affected.

In addition to the effect on the food chain, the loss of habitat for wildlife means they will have frequent encounters with humans. There are reports that wildlife encroach on Arctic communities as they seek refuge while their ice habitat disappears.

6. Dangerous Shipping Routes

As Arctic sea ice melts, new shipping routes open up. Cargo vessels might be tempted to cross them as they can save time, but they are incredibly dangerous.