Open AccessThe Expanding Footprint of Rapid Arctic Change
Author(s) -
Moon Twila A.,
Overeem Irina,
Druckenmiller Matt,
Holland Marika,
Huntington Henry,
Kling George,
Lovecraft Amy Lauren,
Miller Gifford,
Scambos Ted,
Schädel Christina,
Schuur Edward A. G.,
Trochim Erin,
Wiese Francis,
Williams Dee,
Wong Gifford
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
earth's future
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.641
H-Index - 39
ISSN - 2328-4277
DOI - 10.1029/2018ef001088
Subject(s) - arctic , permafrost , arctic ecology , coastal erosion , storm surge , climate change , coastal flood , sea ice , environmental science , temperate climate , global warming , storm , arctic ice pack , arctic geoengineering , physical geography , oceanography , sea level rise , geography , geology , ecology , antarctic sea ice , shore , biology
Arctic land ice is melting, sea ice is decreasing, and permafrost is thawing. Changes in these Arctic elements are interconnected, and most interactions accelerate the rate of change. The changes affect infrastructure, economics, and cultures of people inside and outside of the Arctic, including in temperate and tropical regions, through sea level rise, worsening storm and hurricane impacts, and enhanced warming. Coastal communities worldwide are already experiencing more regular flooding, drinking water contamination, and coastal erosion. We describe and summarize the nature of change for Arctic permafrost, land ice, and sea ice, and its influences on lower latitudes, particularly the United States. We emphasize that impacts will worsen in the future unless individuals, businesses, communities, and policy makers proactively engage in mitigation and adaptation activities to reduce the effects of Arctic changes and safeguard people and society.