The frightening phrase “Arctic Death Spiral” refers to a chart that measures the continued melting of ice in the Arctic Circle over the last 30 years as reported by Inhabitat.
Climate scientists have issued repeated warnings that the Arctic Death Spiral is a time bomb waiting to explode and that greenhouse gas emissions must be decreased in order to fend off certain destruction.
As years passed and global temperatures continue to rise, many conservationists are arguing that the point of no return is just ahead. Environment editor for The Guardian, John Vidal, discusses the new book by Peter Wadhams, the Cambridge professor who has devoted his life to the study of icy environments and why it is time to start listening to the warnings and take action.
Professor Peter Wadhams, former director of the Scott Polar Research Institute, wrote that the North Pole could be free of ice in just a few decades, rather than at the end of the century as earlier predictions stated. Vidal points out that Wadhams’ book is a brave and worthwhile position on the topic of climate change. Most estimates suggest that the Arctic ice is being lost at the rate of 13% every year and soon the summer ice will melt as well, causing a dangerous ripple effect around the world.
Many experts and scientists have drawn clear connections between the Arctic conditions and the effects of climate change across the planet, showing why everyone should pay attention to what is happening in the Arctic. The book also explains that continued ice melting will enable methane to be released into the atmosphere.
After the concept of the Arctic Death Spiral went out, scientists from different agencies have been working together to better understand the connection between Arctic events and their effect on the rest of the world.
Click here to read the full story on Inhabitat
Featured Image Credit: Mary Madigan
Solar Trust Centre Team
