Alaska‘s ecosystems and habitats are being affected by climate change.
By: Cassandra Pauling
The climate change in Alaska is affecting several ecosystems as well as the wildlife and people who depend on those ecosystems. From ice caps melting away the polar bear’s habitat, to warmer waters causing declines in the fisheries industry, to the wetlands disappearing for many bird species, it is obvious that climate change is having its affect on Alaska. The U.S. Global Change Research Program states that, “Over the past 50 years, Alaska has warmed at more than twice the rate of the rest of the United States. This is likely due to the greater evaporation and thawing of permafrost that result from warming. These wetlands provide breeding habitat for millions of waterfowl and shorebirds and are important hunting and fishing grounds for Native People.” This suggests that climate change could impact Alaska faster and at greater quantities than other places in the U.S.
According to SNAP at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, “approximately 60% of Alaska may experience a shift to a new climate-biome during the twenty-first century. Models predict that by the end of the century, the extent of the Arctic and the Alaska Boreal that match today’s temperature and precipitation parameters will each diminish by approximately 69% and Western Tundra, by 54%—all but disappearing in its original location.” These numbers suggest huge climate changes. This could impact several species including caribou, marmots, and even certain grass species.
With species like polar bears that use the ice to hunt for seals hiding beneath its surface to walruses that ride on chunks of ice, and shorebirds that thrive in Alaska’s cold climates, how do their futures look with new challenges of climate change? Fortunately hope is not lost. These animals still have a future. People can help by reducing their activities that contribute to greenhouse gases that also contribute to climate change. This can make it less drastic. Although climate change is a part of the earth’s natural history, animals have proven to be resilient to climate changes and shown the ability to adjust. The U.S. Global Change Research Program suggests setting up reserves in order to keep ecosystems intact. This will allow for maximal potential of resilience and recovery from these wildlife species facing the changes of their habitats. Like animals, humans have the ability to adapt. With these changes that occur the possibility that all life shall prevail is present. With a conscience mind from the humans, resilience from the animals and recovery ability of ecosystems polar bears will continue to exist, as well as the ancient lifestyles of the Alaskan natives.
References:
September 13,2010.New report outlines potential climate change impacts to Alaska’s wildlife and ecosystems. Retrieved from http://www.snap.uaf.edu/
U.S. Global Research Program. Retrieved fromhttp://www.globalchange.gov/publications/reports/scientific-assessments/us-impacts/regional-climate-change-impacts/alaska
October 12,2003. US National Assessment of the Potential Consequences of Climate Variability and Change
Educational Resources Regional Paper: Alaska. Retrieved from http://www.usgcrp.gov/usgcrp/nacc/education/alaska/ak-edu-6.htm
