The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued a warning that the Arctic is expected to warm more than three times faster than the global average over the next five years, with temperatures predicted to rise 2.4 degrees Celsius above pre-1990 levels.
This rapid warming is having significant impacts on global weather patterns and ecosystems, leading to a substantial loss of sea ice in key regions such as the Barents Sea and Bering Sea. By 2029, these areas are expected to experience reduced sea ice coverage, with large reductions predicted for September, according to the WMO.
In contrast, Canada’s Arctic Archipelago is an exception, where the changes over the next five years are less certain. However, warmer conditions are expected in several regions worldwide, including northern Europe, Alaska, and northern Siberia.
The report also highlights a concerning trend: precipitation patterns are shifting towards wetter conditions in these areas, with no signs of respite in sight. With global temperatures on track to exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, the WMO Deputy Secretary-General warns that this could have severe economic, daily life, ecosystem, and planet impacts.
The report serves as a wake-up call for policymakers ahead of the COP30 conference in Brazil later this year. The international community must prioritize continued climate monitoring and prediction to inform adaptation decisions with science-based tools and information.
Source: https://www.thebarentsobserver.com/climate-crisis/arctic-predicted-to-warm-more-than-three-times-faster-than-global-average-wmo-report/430685