Record Arctic Ice Melt 'Like Doubling CO2 Emissions': Scientist

An ice scientist has claimed that the loss of Arctic ice is effectively doubling mankind's contribution to global warming.

According to Professor Peter Wadhams, white ice reflects more sunlight than open water thus acting like a parasol.

Health Effects of Global Warming
Greenhouse effect causes excessive heat to build up in the earth’s atmosphere causing global warming and affects the environment and health.

Melting of white Arctic ice, currently at its lowest level in recent history, is causing more absorption.

Wadhams calculates that this increased absorption of the sun's rays is "the equivalent of about 20 years of additional CO2 being added by man".

The Cambridge University expert says that the Arctic ice cap is "heading for oblivion".

Global Warming Results In Increased Heat Related Illness
Californian researchers are planning to study the relationship between global warming and increased emergency room admission.

In 1980, the Arctic ice in summer made up some 2 percent of the Earth's surface, but since then the ice has roughly halved in area, and the volume of ice has dropped to just a quarter of what it was.

"The volume of ice in the summer is only a quarter of what it was 30 years ago and that's really the prelude to this final collapse," the BBC quoted Wadhams as saying.

Modest Increase in Urban Parks Could Equalize Global Warming Until 2080s
A modest increase in the number of urban parks and street trees in our major cities could offset decades of predicted temperature rise.

The polar ice cap acts as a giant parasol, reflecting sunlight back into the atmosphere in what is known as the albedo effect.

But white ice and snow reflect far more of the sun's energy than the open water that is replacing it as the ice melts.

Global Warming To Effect Eastern Coast Of India
Eastern region of Indian subcontinent is likely to warm at its surface by about 1.5-2.0 degree Centigrade by the middle of this century.

Instead of being reflected away from the Earth, this energy is absorbed, and contributes to warming.

Wadhams added that parts of the Arctic Ocean are now as warm in summer as the North Sea is in winter.

Source-ANI