Disaster in the Arctic

Natural disasters happen everywhere at any time, they are inevitable. They can destroy lives and communities. The best we can do is prepare ourselves and always be aware of what is going on around us.  In this case, the Arctic is vulnerable to natural disasters such as frequent storms, hurricanes, rainfall, floods, heat waves, droughts, forest fires, avalanches, mudslides/ landslides, melting glaciers, rising sea levels and ocean temperatures. Of course, different areas of the Arctic region are going to be more vulnerable to some of these disasters than others. "The most vulnerable people are those less prepared or less equipped and those with insufficient resources living in poor, overpopulated regions of the world." (Dasgupta, Natural Disasters & Environmental Change). Right now, a huge concern in the Arctic is the effects of climate change. 

Heating Up

As the weather becomes warmer, everything slowly, but surely, begins to melt. For example, the Northwest passage was not accessible until 2009, opened up, causing more oil drilling, mining, fishing and loss of habitat. According to Dr. Asim K. Dasgupta, former Occupational Health Consultant, National Health Services, United Kingdom, Arctic roads and houses are subsiding. Those who live in low-lying islands, deltas or coastal areas, are much more vulnerable this. A new term I learned was "cold wave", which refers to a rapid fall in temperature in a 24 hour period. They form from large, cool air masses that cloud over certain areas, caused by movements of air stream.  The effects of this can be deadly, they kill animals, people, crops, etc. According to Dr. Asim K Dasgupta, "More frequent cold waves may occur due to global warming. The logical explanation is the Arctic is becoming warmer, which pushes Arctic air towards the Northern Hemisphere, thus acting to refrigerate the region in winter time.". The warming Arctic can cause many disasters. When glaciers melt, they cause the sea levels to rise, allowing mass flooding. We cannot forget that many animals in the Arctic are losing their habitats as well. 

People Making a Difference

There are many different groups trying to help the Arctic. There is a group called "Greenpeace", their goal is to stop oil drilling in the Arctic. They claim that " our dependence on oil is what's causing climate change in the first place."(Greenpeace, The Arctic and Global Warming). They target large corporations like Shell and Exxon Mobil for exploiting the Arctic oils. They accept volunteers and donations. Also, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), is trying to make a difference. They do research in order to get an idea of what the future Arctic will look like, try to develop technology to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and many more actions. An organization called Ice911 has very interesting research ideas to help reduce warming. For example, they are working along with University of Washington scientists on a project, "The Marine Cloud Brightening Project. They are researching the idea of spraying salt water into the air to make Arctic clouds more reflective and increase regional cooling. 

As many of us have seen, our own president mocks global warming. I am not sure if I just did not look hard enough, but I could not find any government role in the tragic climate change of the Arctic. According to the Norweigan Ambassedor of Canada, Mona Elisabeth Brother claims "All countries in the Arctic Council, as well as the permanent observers are, committed to the principles of stewardship and good governance in the Arctic for a sustainable future for the region and its peoples." (Brother, What Can the Arctic Governments Do About Climate Change). She claims the Arctic Government is aware and understand the importance of the climate change, but we have not really seen any government initiative. 

I feel that the whole concept of climate change in global warming is easily misunderstood. Some people do not believe in or do not trust scientists. But something is definitely changing whether you believe it is global warming or not. We need to understand this and the changing environment, it effects everyone one way or another. Of course, those in the Arctic region are more vulnerable to rapid changes than anyone else. In the end, we will all be affected by it. 

Link to Gini Index Map!

https://arcg.is/1jjPi5

Dasgupta, Asim. “Natural Disasters & Environmental Change.” Livebetter Magazine, livebettermagazine.com/article/natural-disasters-environmental-change/.

“The Arctic & Global Warming.” Greenpeace International, www.greenpeace.org/usa/arctic/issues/global-warming/.

“Warming Arctic Urgently Needs First Aid.” Ice911, www.ice911.org/draft-blog/2018/6/15/nvo5vgdezngc01ayo29o4avbz5uyd7.

Brother, Mona Elisabeth. “What Can the Arctic Governments Do About Climate Change?” HuffPost Canada, HuffPost Canada, 13 Nov. 2014, www.huffingtonpost.ca/mona-elisabeth-brother/arctic-climate-change_b_5811612.html.