We have known the Arctic ice is melting for a while now, and by this time most of us finally care. But did you know that the damages caused by melting ice could cost us between $61 billion and $370 billion U.S. in 2010 alone?
That figure was estimated by the U.S.-based Pew Environment Group who arrived at this number by assessing the loss of snow, ice and permafrost on the warming climate. This number was then expressed in tonnes of carbon dioxide so that the “social cost of carbon” could be used to infer the social cost of melting ice. (Source)
But if the ice is going to melt and cause floods, climate changes, and other problems of a globally disastrous nature, we should probably be more concerned for our lives and for our planet than for our wallets.
Arctic ice is melting faster than expected, which means we can expect the same fate for the ice in the south too. Warm spells get warmer, cold spells get colder—you know the deal. We need a happy median!
As the sea ice thins, we’re seeing more storms up north; the melting ice releases more open water, which increases the likelihood of a storm. The storm results mostly in precipitation taking the form of snow, and this falling snow insulates the ice, which prevents it from growing thicker.
How many of you hate those sticky summer days, and practically barrel down your front door in your eagerness to seek the refuge of your air-conditioned home? The Arctic acts as an air-conditioner for the planet but as the sea water melts, so does its ability to do so.
And the Arctic isn’t the only body of water that suffers. Did you know Canadian rivers are at risk too? In fact, every single body of water is, as they are all connected. The Arctic water contains pollutants and as the water melts and flows into other streams and rivers, those contaminants spread.And what about its effects on other wildlife? Polar bears are drowning due to global warming. Doesn’t that sound wrong to you?! Ever since I heard one of my favourite animals suffers to survive because its home is disappearing, I have felt the climate change effects hit closer to home.
Speaking of closer to home, what about us? Some countries have already experienced extreme weather conditions that have caused death, all due to the melting of the Arctic ice. The Arctic is that far away place we can’t really conceive, the place we refer to when we make jokes like “I’ll kick your butt all the way to the Arctic!” But if the Arctic is being worsened by our actions, and in turn becoming a threat to us, then it’s not so far away after all, is it?
By Marisa Baratta
Blog Writer 2009-2010, Change Tomorrow’s World
Edited By: Wajiha Suboor
Editor 2009-2010, Change Tomorrow’s World.
