In recent years, the melting of the sea ice in the sub-polar and polar regions of the globe has sparked an influx of researchers to try and further the understanding of climate change and global warming. These two terms (climate change and global warming) are often used interchangeably and which is a common misconception as these are different processes. Climate change refers to the increase in CO2/greenhouse gas emissions which has resulted in immense changes to global weather patterns. Events such as droughts, hurricanes, and flash floods seem to be increasing in frequency. Global warming on the other hand refers to the average rise in global temperatures also due to greenhouse gas emissions. Sea ice has a very high albedo (ability to reflect) and as such, the melting of polar ice caps/glaciers allows for more radiation to be trapped in the atmosphere of our planet, causing temperatures to increase. The increase in greenhouse gases can be attributed to human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Moreover, sea ice melting has caused a global increase in sea level in recent years and levels can be expected to fluctuate in the future.
Climate change has resulted in extensive habitat loss for many species and organisms which thrive in these chilling conditions including Polar Bears, Penguins and Seals. The loss of habitat has resulted in a negative feedback mechanism in which the prey and the predators are now facing extirpation (being confined to an area) and hardships with respect to both breeding and feeding. These hardships are undoubtedly negatively affecting the survival rates for the species which utilize these regions. Recent studies have suggested that the melting of the sea ice has resulted in the expansion of the territorial ranges of the polar bear. What do you think are some of the implications for the polar bear and other species in the polar regions as a reult of the amount of sea ice that is melting?
