The Vanishing North

Global warming is raising temperatures throughout the Arctic region, with a multitude of effects. Less ice in the Arctic Sea could allow exploitation of potential mineral deposits, previously inaccessible, including natural gas and oil. Melting ice could open shipping lanes through the Arctic, increasing the flow of trade. But as oil companies rush to take advantage of these unforeseen consequences, environmentalists maintain a sobering perspective – the melting Arctic will be disastrous for the world environment. Imbalance in oceanic circulation – the mixing of warm tropical and cool polar waters – will result and sea levels could rise, flooding major cities if not addressed. Methane gas emissions from the thawing of permafrost will accelerate global warming in general. The world will inevitably adapt to climate change. But it could also swiftly unite, developing alternatives and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, perhaps delaying the immeasurable and far-reaching loss of Arctic melting. – YaleGlobal