Global warming already impacting Australia, Arctic
October 4th, 2007 by Jim JustThe impacts of global warming are already appearing, most dramatically in the High Arctic and Australia.
Australia is already experiencing a climate crisis due to increased temperatures and unprecedented drought – and temperatures could rise by as much as 5C more in some areas. The newly released report Climate Change in Australia grimly projects more droughts, heatwaves, bushfires, and severe weather events. The CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology findings, together with projections of rising Australian emissions, spelled “dilemma and doom†for the farm sector.A research station in the Canadian High Arctic reports an unexpected and extended heat wave this summer, with temperatures reaching 22C. The high temperatures were accompanied by a dramatic melting of Arctic sea ice in September to the lowest levels ever recorded. The high temperatures also caused catastrophic mudslides as the permafrost on hillsides melted. Other parts of the Arctic, particularly to the north of Siberia, also experienced temperatures 3C – 5C above normal. This may have been the hottest summer on record.
Greenland, the largest island in the world, is covered by an immense ice cap. In summer, the ice retreats a bit – and this summer, more than ever. Land emerging from under dying glaciers is now being cultivated to grow Arctic barley, radishes and potatoes. Enterprising Greenland brewers are putting that melted Arctic ice to good use.
