Journal Article - Science Advances
The Polar Regions in a 2°C Warmer World
Abstract
Over the past decade, the Arctic has warmed by 0.75°C, far outpacing the global average, while Antarctic temperatures have remained comparatively stable. As Earth approaches 2°C warming, the Arctic and Antarctic may reach 4°C and 2°C mean annual warming, and 7°C and 3°C winter warming, respectively. Expected consequences of increased Arctic warming include ongoing loss of land and sea ice, threats to wildlife and traditional human livelihoods, increased methane emissions, and extreme weather at lower latitudes. With low biodiversity, Antarctic ecosystems may be vulnerable to state shifts and species invasions. Land ice loss in both regions will contribute substantially to global sea level rise, with up to 3 m rise possible if certain thresholds are crossed. Mitigation efforts can slow or reduce warming, but without them northern high latitude warming may accelerate in the next two to four decades. International cooperation will be crucial to foreseeing and adapting to expected changes.
Want to Read More?
The full text of this publication is available via Science Advances.
For more information on this publication:
Please contact
Environment and Natural Resources
For Academic Citation:
Post, Eric, Richard B. Alley, Torben R. Christiansen, Marc Macias-Fauria, Bruce C. Forbes, Michael N. Gooseff, Amy Iler, Jeffrey T. Kerby, Kristin L. Laidre, Michael E. Mann, Johan Olofsson, Julienne C. Stroeve, Fran Ulmer, Ross A. Virginia and Muyin Wang. "The Polar Regions in a 2°C Warmer World." Science Advances, vol. 5. no. 12. (December 4, 2019).
- Recommended
- In the Spotlight
- Most Viewed
Recommended
Announcement
- Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
Outlook for the Polar Regions in a 2 Degrees Warmer World
Analysis & Opinions
- ArcticToday
From Crisis to Resilience in the Arctic
Audio
- Polar Geopolitics
Climate Adaptation and Food Security in Alaskan Indigenous Communities
In the Spotlight
Most Viewed
Paper
India's Foreign Policy
Analysis & Opinions
- Hoover Institution Press
China Brokers Diplomacy Between Iran and Saudi Arabia: Implications for the US Role in the Middle East
Journal Article
- Research Policy
The Relationship Between Science and Technology
Abstract
Over the past decade, the Arctic has warmed by 0.75°C, far outpacing the global average, while Antarctic temperatures have remained comparatively stable. As Earth approaches 2°C warming, the Arctic and Antarctic may reach 4°C and 2°C mean annual warming, and 7°C and 3°C winter warming, respectively. Expected consequences of increased Arctic warming include ongoing loss of land and sea ice, threats to wildlife and traditional human livelihoods, increased methane emissions, and extreme weather at lower latitudes. With low biodiversity, Antarctic ecosystems may be vulnerable to state shifts and species invasions. Land ice loss in both regions will contribute substantially to global sea level rise, with up to 3 m rise possible if certain thresholds are crossed. Mitigation efforts can slow or reduce warming, but without them northern high latitude warming may accelerate in the next two to four decades. International cooperation will be crucial to foreseeing and adapting to expected changes.
Want to Read More?
The full text of this publication is available via Science Advances.Post, Eric, Richard B. Alley, Torben R. Christiansen, Marc Macias-Fauria, Bruce C. Forbes, Michael N. Gooseff, Amy Iler, Jeffrey T. Kerby, Kristin L. Laidre, Michael E. Mann, Johan Olofsson, Julienne C. Stroeve, Fran Ulmer, Ross A. Virginia and Muyin Wang. "The Polar Regions in a 2°C Warmer World." Science Advances, vol. 5. no. 12. (December 4, 2019).
- Recommended
- In the Spotlight
- Most Viewed
Recommended
Announcement - Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
Outlook for the Polar Regions in a 2 Degrees Warmer World
Analysis & Opinions - ArcticToday
From Crisis to Resilience in the Arctic
Audio - Polar Geopolitics
Climate Adaptation and Food Security in Alaskan Indigenous Communities
In the Spotlight
Most Viewed
Paper
India's Foreign Policy
Analysis & Opinions - Hoover Institution Press
China Brokers Diplomacy Between Iran and Saudi Arabia: Implications for the US Role in the Middle East
Journal Article - Research Policy
The Relationship Between Science and Technology