When did Arctic temperatures reach 38 degrees Celsius inside the Arctic Circle?
On the 20th of June 2020, a temperature measurement inside the Arctic Circle reached 38 degrees Celsius. This heat was expected in the region only by the year 2100.
Questions about Climate change in the Arctic
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What happened to lakes in Greenland during January 2025 according to climate change studies?
In January 2025, a study reported an abrupt transformation of lakes in Greenland from blue to brown states. This change followed record heat and rainfall events that altered numerous physical, chemical, and biological features.
How has Arctic wildlife been affected by warming waters and sea ice loss since 2016?
Around 9000 puffins and other shorebirds died of starvation in Alaska during 2016 due to reduced sea ice and declining fish populations. Atlantic cod have moved deeper into the Arctic while polar cod and local marine mammals are losing habitat.
Why did the Arctic transform from a carbon sink to a carbon source in 2024?
In 2024, the Arctic transformed from a carbon sink to a carbon source because rising temperatures and wildfires drove this shift. Permafrost covers around 18 million square kilometers in the Northern Hemisphere with total soil organic carbon stock reaching between 1,460 and 1,600 petagrams.
Which countries claim territory in the Arctic Ocean regarding international waters disputes?
Arctic countries include Russia, Canada, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the United States, and Denmark representing Greenland. A large portion containing the north pole is claimed by both Denmark and Russia while parts of it are also contested by Canada.