Jun 07, 2024
Arctic & Antarctic:CHANGES IN THE POLAR REGIONS
1. How are the changes in the Arctic different from those in the Antarctic?
Changes affecting the Arctic receive significantly more attention compared to those threatening the Antarctic. The Arctic is experiencing rapid ice melt, impacting global sea levels and weather patterns, whereas the Antarctic’s changes are less publicized but equally significant.
2. Why is the Arctic more frequently discussed than the Antarctic?
The Arctic’s changes are more visible and impactful to human populations, leading to greater media coverage and public awareness. Arctic ice melt directly affects shipping routes, coastal communities, and weather patterns in the Northern Hemisphere.
3. What are the common threats to both the Arctic and Antarctic regions?
Both regions face threats such as climate change, rising temperatures, and melting ice. These changes disrupt local wildlife, such as polar bears in the Arctic and penguins in the Antarctic, and contribute to rising sea levels globally.
4. What specific threats are facing the Antarctic?
The Antarctic is experiencing ice shelf disintegration, glacier retreat, and warming ocean temperatures. These changes can lead to global sea level rise and impact marine biodiversity.
5. How do these changes impact India?
Rising sea levels pose a significant threat to India’s long coastline, increasing the risk of flooding in coastal cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. Changes in polar regions also affect global weather patterns, potentially leading to more extreme weather events in India.
6. What are India’s research stations in the polar regions?
India has two research stations in Antarctica:
• Maitri: Established in 1989, it conducts research in geology, meteorology, and environmental science.
• Bharati: Operational since 2012, it focuses on atmospheric, biological, and earth sciences.
In the Arctic, India operates a research station called:
• Himadri: Located in Svalbard, Norway, it conducts research on climate change, glaciology, and the Arctic environment.
7. How do Indian research stations contribute to understanding polar changes?
These research stations enable India to study climate change effects, contribute to global scientific knowledge, and strengthen India’s role in international polar research collaborations.
8. What can India do to address these threats?
India can increase its participation in international climate agreements, invest in renewable energy, and support scientific research in polar regions. Raising awareness about the importance of protecting both the Arctic and Antarctic can also help mobilize global action.
9. How does underappreciation of Antarctic threats impact global awareness and action?
The lack of attention to Antarctic threats can lead to insufficient global action and policies to protect and preserve this crucial region. It is essential to recognize the interconnectedness of polar changes and their global impacts.
10. What specific actions can India take to increase awareness about the threats to the Antarctic?
India can enhance its polar research programs, engage in international collaborations, and promote educational initiatives highlighting the importance of the Antarctic. Media coverage and public awareness campaigns can also play a crucial role.
SRIRAM’s
