Amanda Jung/Contributing Writer
Global warming. You probably cannot go more than a few days without hearing about this hot topic. All of our choices are linked to this sad reality for Earth.
We are told to drive smart cars, to decrease the amount of greenhouse gases that enter the atmosphere and to be conscious of our decisions overall. But one of the biggest contributors to global warming may not be what you expected.
There has been an increasing loss of sea ice as the years have gone by. But how does this affect us? And more importantly, what does it mean for the future of our planet?
Sea ice is frozen ocean water, according to the National Snow and Ice Data Center. It is found in the Arctic and Antarctic, grows during the winter months and melts during the summer months.
If we don’t live in the Arctic or Antarctic, then it shouldn’t have an impact on our daily lives, right? Wrong.
Polar ice is something that influences our global climate. The ice has a bright surface and therefore, reflects the light back into space. With the warming temperatures, there will be less ice over time to reflect sunlight into space. And with this domino effect, temperatures will continue to rise further.
Even with the slightest temperature increase, this will, over time, hurt the polar regions of Earth the most because they are the most sensitive areas to climate change.
NSIDC also notes that the movement of ocean waters is triggered by melting sea ice.
“Cold, dense, polar water sinks and moves along the ocean bottom toward the equator, while warm water from mid-depth to the surface travels from the equator toward the poles. Changes in the amount of sea ice can disrupt normal ocean circulation,” the NSIDC website states.
Therefore, this could have a dangerous effect on climate change.
According to the World Economic Forum, there are three approaches we can take to prevent arctic ice from completely melting. First, we need to monitor the ice and the rate at which it is melting by utilizing the satellites orbiting around the earth.
Next, we need to reduce our emissions. Scientists have estimated that we have already used up half of our planet’s carbon budget but we can all reduce our carbon footprint by using less electricity, depending less on cars and disposing of waste properly.
Finally, this is a very complex issue that requires global leaders to pay attention. However, citizens also play a big role in this. It’s important to elect leaders who have the interest of the environment in mind and make sure those in office focus on this important issue.
Every winter, there is less and less sea ice. This is the time to get involved before we change the future of our planet for the worse.
DISCLAIMER:
The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views of FIU Student Media Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.
Image retrieved from Flickr.
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