Previous studies have concluded that the Arctic was warming between two and three times faster than the global average. Now new research shows that warming in the Arctic is going even faster. In a new study published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, researchers in Norway and Finland analyzed four sets of temperature data over several decades. The figures go back to 1979, when satellite data became available. The researchers behind the study concluded that the temperature in the Arctic has increased by 0.75 degrees Celsius per decade. This is almost four times as fast as on the rest of the globe. This is how the ice cover was at the North Pole earlier this summer. Photo: trine lise sviggum helgerud / trine lise sviggum helgerud The results suggest that even the most precise climate models probably underestimate the rate of warming of the Arctic. – It is common in the literature that the Arctic warms up around twice as fast as the globe, so for me it was a little surprising that our figure was so much higher, says co-author Antti Lipponen from the Finnish Meteorological Institute to NTB. Climate models underestimate – There are interesting results and it would be nice to have an updated analysis of the best datasets available for the Arctic. That’s what researcher at the Meteorological Institute, Ketil Isaksen, says about the study. – The research has used slightly different data sets. They agree that warming is even greater than previously seen, and that the climate models often underestimate the strong warming in the Arctic. Ketil Isaksen says that the warming in the Arctic is on a completely different scale than what is seen on mainland Norway. Photo: LINE NAGELL YLVISÅKER According to him, the climate models are most imprecise where the temperature changes are greatest. Jan-Gunnar Winther, director of the Center for Oceans and the Arctic at UiT Norway’s Arctic University, says the speed and strength of the changes will change the Arctic dramatically. – In today’s situation with many other crises, such as energy, food, transport and war, there is a real danger that handling the climate crisis will be given a lower priority, he says. He believes the climate crisis is a major global challenge that can only be solved by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. Jan-Gunnar Winther, director of the Center for Oceans and the Arctic at UiT – Norway’s Arctic University, says that the study confirms that there will be stronger warming in the Arctic. Photo: Marius Fiskum / Marius Fiskum – Since climate change amplifies the other crises we are facing, it is very important that we follow up on the Paris Agreement’s ambitions to limit global warming. Isaksen at the Meteorological Institute also believes that it may be possible to stabilize the warming, but with strong measures. – The research shows that there are still opportunities to turn around or stabilize the situation, with a sharp reduction in emissions, says Isaksen. Amplifying effect In 2019, the UN wrote in a special report that the Arctic is warming faster since snow and ice, which reflect sunlight, melt and flow into the sea. The ocean absorbs the same light. Climate change will have a dramatic impact on local communities, nature and wildlife that depend on the sea ice to find food. In addition, rapid warming in the Arctic will have consequences for the entire globe. The Greenland ice sheet contains enough fresh water to raise the sea level in the world by around six metres. Ice in the Arctic. Photo: Sylvi Inez Liljegren / news – As the Arctic gets warmer, the glaciers will melt. This will affect the sea level all over the world, says Lipponen, who emphasizes that humans cause climate change. Research ship found little ice Earlier this summer, the research ship FF “Kronprins Haakon” reached the North Pole earlier than expected due to little ice. – Dramatic things have happened in ten years. It is cause for concern, said sea ice researcher at the Norwegian Polar Institute, Mats Granskog, who took part in the expedition. The research ship FF “Kronprins Haakon” previously arrived at the North Pole due to low ice. – Dramatic things have happened in ten years. It is cause for concern, said sea ice researcher at the Norwegian Polar Institute, Mats Granskog, who took part in the expedition. Photo: Vegard Stürzinger Granskog was one of 27 researchers and technicians who are with the research ship on its first trip to the North Pole. – We know that the Arctic Ocean is changing, but we did not expect the changes to be so extensive, says expedition leader and director of the Polar Institute, Ole Arve Misund.
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The Arctic is warming four times faster than the rest of the earth – news Troms and Finnmark
