– If we don’t stick to the 1.5-degree target, it will have very serious consequences for the Arctic, researcher Richard Bellerby of the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) tells Dagbladet.
He is one of the top 50 researchers behind the report “State of the cryosphere»- an annual overview of the conditions and” health “of the sea – and ice – in the Arctic and Antarctic.
This year’s report, which will be presented at the COP 27 climate summit in Egypt, is grim.
According to Bellerby, the Arctic is in danger of becoming unlivable as we know it.
– If even the authorities fail to reach the two-degree target, then we will see that large parts of the Arctic become unlivable to many of the plants and animals living there now.
The report points out that humanity risks harming the ecosystems of the north for thousands of years to come.
– Warming, loss of oxygen and acidic water have proved extremely destructive to marine life in the past, says Bellerby.
– Dump toxic sludge in the Oslofjord
New in history
This is the first time in the long history of humanity that scientists have recorded climate change that is happening so rapidly.
– Changes are happening so rapidly now, compared to before, that ecosystems are unable to adapt, says the researcher.
He adds:
– This is new in human history. We’ve seen regional changes before, but nothing like that.
Bellerby is clear in his message to the world’s heads of state ahead of the climate summit:
– We have no alternatives. We need to stabilize – and then lower the CO₂ levels in the atmosphere.
Explain that the ocean acts as a “lung” for cleaning carbon from the atmosphere. The Arctic has a particularly important function and “connects” the other oceans, Bellerby points out.
– The Arctic is essential. It is an incredibly important region for the connection between what may be called the surface ocean and the great depths. The Arctic supplies oxygen and “sends” nutrients to other oceans of the world, says the researcher.
FAR NORTH: Richard Bellerby searches for the sea to the north. Photo: private
sea View
– Norway can lead the way
The British researcher, lead researcher for Oceans and Climate at NIVA, points out that Norway is in a unique position thanks to our coastline, experience with the sea and maritime regulations.
– We know the Arctic is one of the most important fishing grounds in the world, he says, referring to cod in the Barents Sea.
– Norway can lead the way. Norway has some of the best regulatory options for preventing ocean acidification, says Bellerby, who is however not uncritical of Norwegian authorities’ policy in the area.
– You’re the best in a bad group, he adds.
For many people, the Arctic is closely associated with the great white bear that roams the Arctic.
– Even with less than 1.5 degrees of warming, there will be summers when the Arctic will be completely free of ice, Bellerby says and points out that polar bears are already moving to the mainland in the summer.
– Loss to humanity
Under the sea, Norway risks losing the only coral reefs in the north, he explains.
– Coral reefs can be lost. Losing those unique systems would be awful. It’s a great loss to all of humanity and it could take thousands of years for the corals to return, she concludes.
Despite the gloomy outlook, Bellerby is still a bit optimistic. Emphasize that world leaders are constantly striving to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
– Changes can be made. I have seen the COP achieve great results, she says, referring to the previous Glasgow climate summit.
– But: the consequences of non-compliance with the Glasgow agreements – seen in the light of our new findings – will be catastrophic, he concludes.
