About Climate & Conservation
Polar regions are warming rapidly, especially the Arctic. Changes in sea ice, land ice, permafrost, snow, oceans, and ecosystems affect local communities and also influence sea level, carbon cycling, and global climate systems.
Arctic Amplification
The Arctic is warming faster than the global average.
Learn MoreSea Ice Loss
Arctic summer sea ice has declined strongly in recent decades.
Learn MoreLand Ice
Greenland and Antarctic ice loss contributes to rising sea level.
Learn MorePermafrost Thaw
Thawing ground can damage roads, buildings, and pipelines.
Learn MoreEcosystems
Changing temperature and ice alter food webs.
Learn MoreOcean Change
Polar oceans absorb heat and carbon dioxide.
Learn MoreConservation
Protected areas, sustainable harvest, pollution controls, and habitat management help reduce other pressures.
Learn MoreResearch
Polar science is international.
Learn MoreArctic Amplification
Loss of reflective snow and sea ice allows darker surfaces to absorb more solar energy.
Sea Ice Loss
This changes habitat, shipping conditions, coastal exposure, and ocean-atmosphere heat exchange.
Land Ice
Scientists monitor ice mass with satellites, aircraft, GPS, and field measurements.
Permafrost Thaw
It can also release carbon dioxide and methane from previously frozen organic material.
Ecosystems
Species can shift ranges, migration timing, prey availability, and breeding success.
Ocean Change
Ocean warming and acidification can affect plankton, shell-forming organisms, fish, and larger predators.
Conservation
Climate change still requires global reductions in greenhouse-gas emissions.
Research
Long-term measurements are critical because natural variability can hide trends over short periods.