From a distance, the North Pole paints a picture of peace and tranquility. A closer look at the huge ice area around the North Pole reveals a serious truth. Climate change and rapid urbanization are casting a shadow over this often overlooked part of our planet. In this playground of polar bears and reindeer, the cold of the Arctic contrasts sharply with the heat of increased human activity.

The average temperature in these cold plains has increased by 3 degrees Celsius since 1979. This increase was almost four times the world average.

With such climate change, the once inaccessible lands of the Arctic are experiencing an increase in industrial and urban development. It is important to understand the human impact of the region through fragile ecosystems and sustainable growth.

Arctic industrialization emerged

Researchers from the University of Zurich, together with colleagues from NASA and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, examined the intensity and spread of industrialization in the Arctic using data from satellite images of artificial lighting between 1992 and 2013.

“More than 800,000 km2 were affected by light pollution, corresponding to 5.1% of the 16.4 million km2 analysed, showing an annual increase of 4.8%,” said Gabriela Schepmann-Strab, who led the international team. From the Arctic of Europe to the oil and gas fields of Alaska, the USA and Russia, signs of civilization stand out clearly against the background of dark landscapes.

The findings showed that only 15% of the illuminated areas contained human settlements, while the remainder was industrial activity. The scope and intensity of these artificial twilights, which cause significant light pollution, are increasing every year.

Industrial impact and light pollution

These data provide a solid foundation for future research on the impact of industrial development on Arctic ecosystems.

“In the vulnerable permafrost landscape and tundra ecosystem, repeated trampling by humans and even traces left by vehicles on the tundra can lead to long-term environmental consequences that extend far beyond the illuminated area detected by satellites,” Cengiz said. , PhD student. Student of the Shepman-Strub team.

Arctic biodiversity is under unprecedented threat from the effects of artificial lighting and industrial activities. For example, artificial lighting impairs the ability of Arctic caribou to adapt their eyes to the dark blue hues of winter twilight; This is an important adaptation for finding food sources and avoiding predators.

Light pollution also affects leaf color and bud break, which are very important for arctic species with limited growing seasons. Meanwhile, rapid urbanization from oil, gas, and mining industries is contributing to the spread of invasive species and environmental pollution.

The balance between industrialization and Arctic conservation

Projected impacts of human activities on Arctic ecosystems could outpace or exacerbate the effects of climate change in the coming decades, as climate change forces local communities to adapt quickly and industrial development increases pressure on the region.

Assuming that the rate of industrial development from 1940 to 1990 continues, approximately 50-80% of the Arctic could reach a critical level of anthropogenic interference by 2050.

Shepman-Strab emphasized the importance of detailed analysis of spatial variability and industrial development hotspots to support monitoring and planning efforts in the Arctic.

This information can help indigenous peoples, governments and stakeholders align solutions with the Arctic Sustainable Development Goals. The ultimate goal is a harmonious existence that includes the well-being of both people and the environment.

Arctic ecosystems are under pressure

The rapid industrialization of the Arctic is not without its environmental consequences. The region’s fragile ecosystems feel the strain when human activities invade the region’s natural areas.

Increasing infrastructure development for oil, gas and mining operations has degraded permafrost, a key component of the Arctic environment. Thawing permafrost releases greenhouse gases such as methane, further accelerating the cycle of climate change.

Wildlife in the Arctic faces unprecedented challenges. Species such as polar bears, foxes and migratory birds are experiencing habitat loss due to industrial expansion.

The combination of light pollution and noise from cars is also affecting the behavior of species whose survival depends on the natural rhythms of the Arctic. Researchers predict that industrial growth will continue, warning that the region could see deeper changes in its ecosystem.

Arctic biodiversity is sensitive to changes resulting from human activities. It is very important to prioritize the balance between development and environmental protection for local and global health. The study was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.