Climatic changes are being experienced particularly intensely in the Arctic. Arctic average temperature has risen at almost twice the rate as the rest of the world in the past few decades. Widespread melting of glaciers and sea ice and rising permafrost temperatures present additional evidence of strong arctic warming. These changes in the Arctic provide an early indication of the environmental and societal significance of global warming.
Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA)
The Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA) from 2004 represents the first effort to comprehensively examine climate change and its impacts in the Arctic region. The ACIA report focuses on impacts that are expected to occur within this century.
The results summarized in the ACIA report do not include thorough economic analyses of climate change impacts because the necessary information is not presently available. The projected impacts described in the report are based on observed data and a moderate scenario of future warming, not a worst-case scenario.
The 10 Key Findings of the ACIA report are presented below:
- Arctic climate is now warming rapidly and much larger changes are projected.
- Arctic warming and its consequences have worldwide implications.
- Arctic vegetation zones are very likely to shift, causing wide-ranging impacts.
- Animal species' diversity, ranges, and distribution will change.
- Many coastal communities and facilities face increasing exposure to storms.
- Reduced sea ice is very likely to increase marine transport and access to resources.
- Thawing ground will disrupt transportation, buildings, and other infrastructure.
- Indigenous communities are facing major economic and cultural impacts.
- Elevated ultraviolet radiation levels will affect people, plants, and animals.
- Multiple influences interact to cause impacts to people and ecosystems.