CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

Anthropogenic Effects on the Arctic

Parker-Reed, SSWAC

The Arctic is a sensitive location that has been affected greatly by climate change and the anthropogenic factors that contribute to global warming. It is critical to research the Arctic because the effects are significant and can be seen globally. The average temperature in the Arctic is increasing twice as fast as the rest of the world, which is causing the ice caps and permafrost to melt. Permafrost traps carbon and methane, and as permafrost melts these elements are released into the atmosphere. Since the conditions of the Arctic are changing local species are affected due to their altered habit. We propose to research the melting of arctic ice due to rising temperatures, melting permafrost and the dangers that follow, and the loss of biodiversity due to increased temperatures of the surrounding areas.

https://digitalcommons.colby.edu/clas/2014/program/366