A Study On The Contribution Of Arctic Regions In Maintaining The Earth's Ecological Balance
- IJLLR Journal
- Apr 7
- 2 min read
Nathija S, BBA LLB (Hons), School of Excellence in Law, The Tamilnadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University, Chennai.
Dr. S. Maruthavijayan, Assistant Professor, School of Excellence in Law, The Tamilnadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University, Chennai
INTRODUCTION:
The Arctic region, spanning across the northernmost parts of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Russia, is characterized by its unique geography and climate. The area is divided into two distinct sections: the outer edge, comprising glaciers and tundra with frozen ground, and the central region, covered by vast expanses of sea ice. The Arctic's unusual seasonal patterns, resulting from its polar location and the Earth's tilt, feature prolonged darkness in winter and constant sunlight in summer. The temperature fluctuations are extreme, ranging from -40°F in winter to 50°F in summer. The harsh climate, permafrost, and short growing season have resulted in a nearly treeless landscape, with only hardy, adapted plants able to survive, supporting a distinct and specialized ecosystem. The Arctic region, which spans one-sixth of the world's landmass, is rich in minerals and provides essential ecological services that help regulate the planet's temperature. However, the region is under threat from human activities that are exploiting Earth's resources without consideration for the consequences. As a result, the Arctic is experiencing devastating changes, including the rapid melting of the Arctic Ice pack, which is having far-reaching and alarming impacts on the planet.
LITERATURE REVIEW:
The Arctic Ocean is undergoing rapid transformation due to climate change, with far-reaching consequences for the planet. The Arctic ice cap, which is primarily composed of sea ice, is shrinking at an alarming rate, with a decline of nearly 13% per decade since the 1980s. This trend has resulted in record-low ice coverage, including a minimum extent of 1.32 million square miles in 2012. Additionally, the Greenland Ice Sheet has lost a substantial amount of ice over the past four decades, contributing to sea-level rise and disruptions to local ecosystems. If the entire ice sheet were to melt, global sea levels would increase by approximately 7 meters, posing a catastrophic threat to coastal communities and ecosystems worldwide.
