Permafrost thaw, sea ice and land ice are often discussed as separate elements in the warming Arctic. But because Arctic changes have impacts at all latitudes\u2014including warming\u00a0global\u00a0temperatures, coastal erosion, a rise in sea levels and perhaps even more extreme storms and drought caused by a \u2018wavier\u2019 jet stream\u2014the authors suggest that people need to account for the way these Arctic elements influence and feed off one another. For instance, the rapid sea ice loss researchers have recorded in the Arctic can increase temperatures over land, accelerating permafrost thaw, which contributes to higher global atmospheric temperatures. Those increased temperatures further accelerate land and sea ice loss.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to look at all aspects together to get a system-wide understanding,\u201d Sch\u00e4del said. She and other authors are\u00a0members of SEARCH, or\u00a0Study of Environmental Arctic Change<\/a>, a U.S.-based\u00a0group that works together to\u00a0synthesize and communicate the consequences of rapid Arctic change.<\/p>\n \u201cSince the Arctic cryosphere is highly interconnected and changes there have far-reaching consequences in other geographies,\u201d the authors write, \u201cthoughtful actions are needed, including constructive social activism, informed legislation, business practice reform and supporting multi-level action addressing climate change.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf we want to safeguard our people and society, we need to act now to both reduce emissions to curb warming and to prepare for the inevitable changes already set in motion,\u201d said Twila Moon, first author of the study and research scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cEssentially anything and everything that reduces greenhouse gases,\u201d the authors write, \u201chelps to curb rapid Arctic change and reduce impacts in the U.S. and globally.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"NAU](\"http:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/wordpresst\/uploads\/sites\/153\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/NAU_primary-281_3514-300x213.png\")
<\/a>Kate Petersen | Ecoss
\n(928) 523-2982 | kate.peterson@nau.edu<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"