At first this work will look at the different aspects of the cryosphere and the changes that occur in these different areas. As the cryosphere includes many different aspects, only the changes occurring in the following aspects will be examined: sea ice, glaciers and ice sheets, and permafrost. Afterwards a selection of small-scale impacts from these changes on different aspects of human life aspects will be explained. Here the wide range of different aspects of human life, which will be affected by these changes will be shown. In the end the findings will be concluded and an outlook into the future will be given.
Climate change is one of the biggest challenges that humanity is facing today. It will cause, global effects that will have severe impacts on many aspects of human life (IPPC 2014). But some areas of the world will be more affected by these changes than others. One of these areas is the cryosphere. The global cryosphere encompasses all aspects of the frozen realm, including glaciers and ice sheets, sea ice, lake and river ice, permafrost, seasonal snow, and ice crystals in the atmosphere.
There are three mayor cryosphere regions, these are: Antarctica, the Arctic Ocean and the extra polar snow and mountain environments. As these mountain ranges are located all over the globe, cryosphere areas can even be found along the equator. Climate change will be felt earlier and more severely in the cryosphere and in the arctic regions, than the rest of the world. This is the case because as snow cover, sea ice and ice sheets diminish, this will produce further warming as the albedo in these areas decreases. Changes in these areas due to climate change will have severe impact on the human way of life. Especially native inhabitants of these cryosphere areas will be affected, as they have lesser capabilities to adapt to these changes, which threaten their way of life. In this paper we will focus on the social and economic impacts of these changes, with a special focus on how native arctic inhabitants will be affected. They deserve a special focus as they are most affected by these changes, while only contributing little to the anthropogenic climate change.
Table of Contents
- 1 Introduction
- 1.2 Effects of cryosphere change on humans
- 2.1 Cryosphere changes
- 2.1.1 Sea Ice
- 2.1.2 Glaciers and Ice Sheets
- 2.1.3 Permafrost
- 2.2 Impacts of cryosphere change
- 2.2.1 Hydropower
- 2.2.2 Shipping routes and geopolitics
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to examine the social and economic impacts of cryosphere change, particularly focusing on the effects on native Arctic populations. It explores how alterations in sea ice, glaciers, and permafrost influence various aspects of human life.
- Impacts of cryosphere change on human life
- Specific effects on native Arctic populations
- Changes in sea ice, glaciers, and permafrost
- Consequences for hydropower production
- Opportunities and challenges for Arctic shipping routes
Chapter Summaries
1 Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the context of climate change as a significant global challenge, highlighting the disproportionate impact on the cryosphere and its inhabitants. It emphasizes the vulnerability of native Arctic populations and outlines the paper's focus on the social and economic consequences of cryosphere changes, specifically examining sea ice, glaciers and ice sheets, and permafrost. The chapter lays the groundwork for the subsequent analysis by defining the scope and methodology of the research.
2.1 Cryosphere changes: This section delves into the observed and projected changes within various components of the cryosphere. It details the reduction in Arctic sea ice extent and thickness, explaining the consequent increase in solar radiation absorption and further warming. The chapter then examines the widespread decline in glacier and ice sheet mass and volume, differentiating between the varying impacts on maritime and continental glaciers. Finally, it addresses the significant increase in permafrost melt, emphasizing the release of stored carbon and its contribution to accelerated climate change. The diverse impacts across different cryosphere elements are clearly linked, showcasing a interconnected system facing substantial change.
2.2 Impacts of cryosphere change: This chapter explores the consequences of cryosphere changes on human activities and livelihoods. It begins by analyzing the impact on hydropower production, illustrating the complex relationship between glacial melt and river runoff. While short-term increases in runoff might initially benefit hydropower, the long-term consequences of glacier diminishment are shown to be regionally heterogeneous, with some areas experiencing increases and others decreases in production potential. The chapter then shifts to discuss the implications for Arctic shipping routes, highlighting the opening of new sea lanes and the associated economic opportunities while acknowledging the potential hazards of increased icebergs and drift ice. The interconnectedness of economic gains and environmental risks is central to the chapter's argument.
Keywords
Cryosphere, climate change, sea ice, glaciers, permafrost, Arctic, native populations, hydropower, shipping routes, socioeconomic impacts, global warming, albedo effect.
Frequently Asked Questions: Cryosphere Change and its Socioeconomic Impacts
What is the main focus of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of the impacts of cryosphere change, specifically focusing on the social and economic consequences, particularly for native Arctic populations. It examines changes in sea ice, glaciers, permafrost, their effects on hydropower and shipping routes, and the overall socioeconomic implications.
What are the key themes explored in the document?
The key themes include the impacts of cryosphere change on human life, especially native Arctic populations; changes in sea ice, glaciers, and permafrost; the consequences for hydropower production; and the opportunities and challenges presented by changes in Arctic shipping routes. The interconnectedness of these elements is a central focus.
What cryosphere components are specifically discussed?
The document examines changes in sea ice (including extent and thickness), glaciers and ice sheets (distinguishing between maritime and continental types), and permafrost, highlighting the interconnected nature of these changes.
How does cryosphere change impact hydropower?
The document analyzes the complex relationship between glacial melt and river runoff on hydropower production. While short-term increases in runoff may initially benefit hydropower, long-term consequences of glacier diminishment are regionally heterogeneous, with potential increases and decreases in production depending on location.
What are the implications of cryosphere change for Arctic shipping?
The opening of new Arctic shipping routes due to reduced sea ice presents economic opportunities. However, the document also highlights the potential environmental hazards associated with increased icebergs and drift ice, emphasizing the balance between economic gains and environmental risks.
What is the document's methodology?
The document's methodology isn't explicitly detailed, but it appears to be based on a review of existing literature and research on cryosphere change and its impacts. The chapter summaries suggest a structured approach focusing on the observed changes and their consequences.
Who are the most vulnerable populations discussed?
The document specifically highlights the disproportionate impact of cryosphere change on native Arctic populations, emphasizing their vulnerability to the environmental and socioeconomic consequences.
What are the key words associated with this document?
Key words include: Cryosphere, climate change, sea ice, glaciers, permafrost, Arctic, native populations, hydropower, shipping routes, socioeconomic impacts, global warming, albedo effect.
What are the chapter summaries included in this preview?
The preview includes summaries of an introduction chapter establishing the context and scope of the research, a chapter detailing observed and projected changes within the cryosphere (sea ice, glaciers, permafrost), and a chapter exploring the impacts of these changes on hydropower production and Arctic shipping routes.
- Quote paper
- Michael McKiney (Author), 2019, Human And Cryosphere Interaction. Small Scale Effects of Cryosphere Change on Humans, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/983531
