Arctic Amplification

Arctic Amplification Latest News

According to the 2024 European State of the Climate Report, Europe has warmed nearly twice as much as the global average, with far-reaching climatic and ecological consequences.

What is Arctic Amplification?

• Arctic amplification is a phenomenon where temperature changes in the polar regions, especially the Arctic, are more intense than the global average temperature change.
• It is a form of polar amplification, which occurs when changes in Earth’s atmosphere lead to a greater rise in temperatures near the poles than in other parts of the world.
• This effect is measured against the average temperature rise of the planet and is particularly pronounced in the northern polar regions, hence the term Arctic amplification.
• The phenomenon is primarily driven by changes in the net radiation balance of the atmosphere, especially due to the increase in greenhouse gases like CO₂ and methane, which trap more heat in the Arctic region.
• The major contributing factors to Arctic amplification are: Ice-Albedo Feedback, Lapse Rate Feedback, Water Vapour Feedback & Ocean Heat Transport.

Key Highlights from the 2024 European State of the Climate Report

• The Arctic region is warming three to four times faster than the global average, a phenomenon called Arctic Amplification.
  • This is due to the melting of Arctic ice, reducing the albedo effect, where ice (which reflects sunlight) is replaced by darker surfaces (land or water) that absorb more solar radiation, enhancing warming.
• Warming Trends in Europe vs. Global Averages:
  • The global average temperature has risen by approximately 1.3°C above pre-industrial levels (1850–1900 baseline).
  • In 2024, the planet crossed the critical 1.5°C threshold for the first time.
  • Europe’s average temperature has increased by about 2.4°C, making it one of the fastest-warming regions on Earth.
  • This accelerated warming has led to extreme weather events, including intense heat waves, heavy rainfall, and flooding.
• Regional Climatic Contrasts Within Europe:
  • The Eastern part of Europe experienced warmer and sunnier conditions.
  • Western Europe witnessed cloudier and wetter weather.
  • Southeastern European countries (e.g., Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia) saw their longest heatwave on record in 2024.
  • The number of ‘cold stress days’ was the lowest ever, and below-freezing temperature days dropped significantly.

Arctic Amplification FAQs

Q1. What is Arctic Amplification?
Ans. Arctic Amplification refers to the phenomenon where the Arctic region warms at a rate faster than the global average due to ice-albedo feedback.

Q2. What causes Arctic Amplification?
Ans. It is caused by the melting of reflective ice, which exposes darker ocean surfaces that absorb more heat, accelerating warming.

Q3. How does Arctic Amplification affect global climate?
Ans. It disrupts jet streams, increases extreme weather events, and accelerates sea level rise due to melting ice sheets.

Source: IE