The rise in temperatures around the globe is impacting every region in the planet, but some areas in particular where climate change is strikingly noticeable are the polar regions. In the polar climates of the northern hemisphere and Antarctica in the southern hemisphere, these drastic temperature increases are playing a major role in the degradation of polar environments and marine wildlife. In fact, these regions are experiencing the effects of climate change faster than any other places in the world.

How the Ecosystem is Affected

In both polar environments, glaciers are melting at an extremely high rate which is leading to sea level rise and saltwater intrusion. This rush of saltwater into freshwater regions can therefore cause numerous problems for both humans and coastal ecosystems alike. When saltwater reaches a freshwater region, it causes saltwater to mix and accumulate into the freshwater, therefore harming salt-intolerant organisms and plants. Saltwater can then enter aquifers where drinking water is sourced from, and then people can develop health conditions if they drink salty water.

How Wildlife is Affected

Temperatures are rising around the world at very fast rates, thus causing animals’ habitats to become depleted. In 2022, the emperor penguins, which call the Antarctic regions home, became classified as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act due to climate change. When polar ice caps and glaciers melt, the penguins lose a critical part of their habitat that they rely on for survival and breeding. Penguins depend on sea ice to raise their young for nine months, and if that resource becomes scarce or nonexistent, their offspring will have a high risk of premature death. The penguin chicks will then have nowhere to go except the water, which they are not ready for at such an early age due to them not having the waterproof plumage they develop as adults after the molting season.

Solutions We Can Implement

Climate change is something we have the power to beat if we all do our part. You don’t even have to live in the polar regions to be an advocate or make simple changes in your daily routine to be part of the solution. You can start by simple steps such as reducing carbon emissions by eating less meat, composting and recycling, and utilizing public transportation instead of driving your own vehicle. Every step you take leads us one step closer to a cleaner and healthier planet.

An Article by Nicole Castilla