Arctic melting ‘has begun’ – study

The most comprehensive investigation into the effects of climate change on the Arctic environment, released this week, shows that warming in the region is around three times that of the rest of the world and will lead to a series of devastating consequences. The study, which contains work from more than 250 scientists, offers what is being described as ‘incontrovertible’ evidence that climate change is in action.

Major findings from the investigation include that; polar bears could become extinct by the end of the century; glaciers, sea ice and tundra will melt and contribute to sea level rises across the world, deluging coastal areas; and a warmer Arctic will lessen the Earth’s ability to reflect heat back into space, accelerating the rate of global climate change.

"The big melt has begun," exclaimed WWF’s Nicola Saltman. "Life on earth will change beyond recognition with the loss of the ice sheet at the north pole and higher sea levels threatening major global cities such as London and other coastal communities. This report shows that climate change is happening now and highlights the urgent need for immediate action, starting with the Arctic governments, who must reduce their CO2 emissions."