The polar regions in a 2°C warmer world

Over the past decade, the Arctic has warmed by 0.75°C, far outpacing the global average, while Antarctic temperatures have remained comparatively stable. As Earth approaches 2°C warming, the Arctic and Antarctic may reach 4°C and 2°C mean annual warming, and 7°C and 3°C winter warming, respectively. Expected consequences of increased Arctic warming include ongoing loss of land and sea ice, threats to wildlife and traditional human livelihoods, increased methane emissions, and extreme weather at lower latitudes. With low biodiversity, Antarctic ecosystems may be vulnerable to state shifts and species invasions. Land ice loss in both regions will contribute substantially to global sea level rise, with up to 3 m…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Award: NSF OPP 1738934
• SR
  Sight Research UK

  Awards: NE/T009470/1, NE/L011859/1, cpom30001
• NE
  Natural Environment Research Council

  Awards: NE/L011859/1, cpom30001, NE/T009470/1