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Observed and projected changes
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Arctic climate is now warming rapidly and much larger changes are projected.
Annual average arctic temperatures has increased at almost twice the rate as that of the rest of the world over the past few decades, with some variations across the region.
Additional evidence of arctic warming comes from widespread melting of glaciers and sea ice, and a shortening of the snow season.
Increased global concentration of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases due to human activities, primarily fossil fuel burning, are projected to contribute to additional arctic warming of about 4-7 degree Celsius over the next 100 years.
Increased precipitation, shorter and warmer winters, and substantial decreases in snow cover and ice cover are among the projected changes that are very likely to persist for centuries.
Unexpected and even larger shifts and fluctuations in climate are also possible. |
Fact box
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Retreating Summer Sea Ice
The average extent of sea-ice cover in summer has declined by 15-20% over the past 30 years. This decline is expected to accelerate, with the near total loss of sea ice in summer projected for late this century.
Declining Snow Cover
Snow cover extent has declined about 10% over the past 30 years. Additional decreases of 10-20% by the 2070s are projected, wiht the greatest declines in spring.
Melting Glaciers
Glaciers throughout the Arctic are melting. The especially rapid retreat of Alaskan glaciers represents about half of the estimated loss of mass by glaciers worldwide, and the largest contribution by glacial melt to rising sea level yet measured.
Melting Greenland Ice Sheet
The area of the Greenland Ice Sheet that experiences some melting has increased about 16% from 1979 to 2002. The area of melting in 2002 broke all previous records.
Source: Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA)
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Why does the Arctic warm faster then the rest of the world?
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Coming soon
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