The last refuge in the Arctic for polar bears, walruses and seals is more vulnerable to climate change than previously thought after the unexpected and dramatic loss of sea ice, a new report says.
Last year, large areas of open water appeared in the Wandel Sea, part of what is known as the “Last Ice Area” north of Greenland, after unusual summer winds and thinning ice led to rapid melting, according to an article published in Communications Earth & Environment.
Sea ice circulates through the Arctic and naturally ends up piling against Greenland and the northern Canadian coast, covering the area with thick and compact ice. Climate models suggest that the area will last longer than anywhere else as global temperatures rise.
Experts believe that the area would be the last refuge for mammals that rely on the ice to rest and breed as the planet warms. But the melt – contrary to the predictions of climate experts - has raised more immediate concerns for their survival.
The sea ice is key for three main species. Seals build dens for their young on the ice, who are in turn hunted by polar bears. Walruses use the ice as a base for foraging.
Polar bears, currently listed as vulnerable on the international database recording the health of species, rely on the sea ice for hunting, resting and mating. But the bears are spending increasing amounts of time on land owing to the receding ice, resulting in more contact with humans.
“We know very little about marine mammals in the Last Ice Area,” said Kristin Laidre, a co-author of the study from the University of Washington. “We have almost no historical or present-day data, and the reality is that there are a lot more questions than answers about the future of these populations.”
Researchers used satellite images and data collected since 1979 to suggest that climate change had contributed to long-term thinning of the ice. But the greatest reason for the ice loss was strong summer winds during an unusual period of weather than blew ice away from the area, they said.
“Current thinking is that this area may be the last refuge for ice-dependent species,” said polar scientist Axel Schweiger, who led the study. “So if, as our study shows, it may be more vulnerable to climate change than people have been assuming, that’s important.”
UAE rugby in numbers
5 - Year sponsorship deal between Hesco and Jebel Ali Dragons
700 - Dubai Hurricanes had more than 700 playing members last season between their mini and youth, men's and women's teams
Dh600,000 - Dubai Exiles' budget for pitch and court hire next season, for their rugby, netball and cricket teams
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How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
The advice provided in our columns does not constitute legal advice and is provided for information only. Readers are encouraged to seek independent legal advice.
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Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, established Edge in 2019.
It brought together 25 state-owned and independent companies specialising in weapons systems, cyber protection and electronic warfare.
Edge has an annual revenue of $5 billion and employs more than 12,000 people.
Some of the companies include Nimr, a maker of armoured vehicles, Caracal, which manufactures guns and ammunitions company, Lahab
