YOU are the greatest issue facing the Arctic. Wait – hear me out! This is not a rant about how humans are causing climate change and destroying the world. You are the greatest issue facing the Arctic, because you probably don’t know enough to care. Arctic climate change affects more than just polar bears, so here’s some information to raise your awareness:

Fact #1: Permafrost, or permanently frozen groundwater, is melting at higher rates, and plant materials within this ice release methane when they thaw and decompose. Since methane is more detrimental than CO2, a surplus makes for one hot earth.

Fact #2: When the ice melts from Arctic land, global powers will be vying for the revealed natural resources that promise economic gain. Without sustainable harvesting of these materials, we could end up exacerbating climate change.

Fact #3: Arctic communities are being tragically affected by climate change, because the native populations rely on the cycles of ice for their livelihood. Changing freezing patterns have caused Alaskan coastline erosion, and whole villages are being swallowed into the sea. People like you are suffering.

So recycle. Plant trees. Shorten your shower. Learn more; care more. You are the greatest issue and the greatest opportunity. Change.


(I am applying from North America.)