How Environmental Changes are Affecting the Arctic Region

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The Arctic is one of the most remarkable ecosystems in the world. Receiving less than ten inches of precipitation per year, the Arctic is considered a desert (“Earth”). However, unlike most deserts, the temperature ranges from -34’ F to 54’ F (Wachman). Although the climate appears somewhat extreme, great variety of species can be found there. Around 450,000 caribou roam the Arctic Tundra (“Arctic” Alaska). In the summer, wolves, bears, reindeer, and birds inhabit the area (Briney). Also, whales, seals, and fish can be found in the Arctic waters (Biney).Unfortunately, due to human involvement, conditions in this wonderful climate are quickly declining. The presence of valuable resources, such as petroleum, are the cause of most of its problems (Briney). The balance is very sensitive, which means pollution affects this ecosystem more than any other. To many, the Arctic is considered the “poster child for climate change” (“Arctic” Alaska). In order to halt the downward spiral of destruction, major changes need to be made.

The Arctic’s latitudinal location gives it a very unique climate; It never receives direct sunlight (Briney). Also, in the Summer, the Sun remains in the sky for up to two months at a time (“Earth”). While most people picture a snowy desert, the Arctic Ocean actually makes up the majority of the region (Briney). In some places, it can be 3,200 feet deep. Over the Winter, drifting ice pack can be 9 feet thick, but it breaks up tremendously in the Summer. With its abundance of fish, seals, walrus, and polar bears rely on these coastal waters to survive.The Arctic Ocean also keeps temperatures stable, as opposed to the volatility of Antarctica (Briney). While the Arctic Ocean possesses many interesting traits, t...

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...vation Foundation Arctic Comments. N.p.,n.d.Web. 28 Feb. 2014.

Briney, Amanda. “A Geography and Overview of Earth’s Arctic Region.” About.com

Geography. N.p., 26 Apr. 2010. Web. 27 Feb. 2014.

“Earth Floor: Biomes.” Earth Floor: Biomes. N.p., N.d. web. 27 Feb. 2014

Grant, Miles. “Alarming Polar Bear Decline a Call to Action on Climate Change.”-National

Wildlife Federation. NWF, 12 Feb. 2014.

“Human Influences- Biome - Tundra.” Biome. Weebly, n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2014.

JulietteH. “30 Things You Can Do for the Arctic 30.” Greenpeace International, N.p., 16 Oct.

2013. 27 Feb. 2014.

“Our Solutions.” WWF. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2014.

“Tundra Threats.” National Geographic. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2014.

Wachman, Monica. “List of Endangered Animals in Alaska’s Arctic Tundra.” Travel Tips. USA

Today, n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2014.

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