Wearing Short Sleeves Due to Warming... "The Arctic Is Extremely Hot"

Polar Expert: "Temperature Rises Over 10 Degrees Compared to Average... Arctic Increases by About 4 Degrees"
Concerns Over Various Damages from Melting Glaciers... "Energy Usage Must Be Reduced"

Due to global warming, extreme heatwaves continue worldwide during the summer, while temperatures in Greenland in the Arctic have risen significantly.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] While extreme heatwaves are causing distress worldwide, Greenland in the Arctic is experiencing such mild weather that people are living in short sleeves and shorts. In this regard, a polar expert stated, "The Arctic is extremely warm," adding, "It is common for temperatures to increase by 10 degrees, as seen in Greenland."

On the 4th, Lee Chun-gi, a senior researcher at the Glacial Environment Research Division of the Polar Research Institute, appeared on YTN Radio's 'Wise Radio Life' and explained, "(In the case of Greenland) temperatures rose more than 10 degrees above the average in mid-July," adding, "Temperatures reached around 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, enough to wear short sleeves and shorts."

Lee said this temperature rise is unusual and attributed the cause to global warming. He said, "Although there are seasonal characteristics, a rise of more than 10 degrees compared to the average is very unusual," adding, "The global average temperature has increased by just over 1 degree compared to 100 years ago. You might think a 1-degree change is insignificant, but that is an average; the Arctic is extremely warm."

He continued, "(The Arctic) is observed to have risen by about 4 degrees on average. The polar regions, glaciers, and sea ice are sensitive, so temperatures rise faster due to interactions between ice and the atmosphere," adding, "When the average temperature rises like this, the range of temperature fluctuations also increases, and the highest temperature of the year can increase by more than 4 degrees. It is common for temperatures to increase by 10 degrees, as in Greenland." He further added, "If we define extremely high temperatures compared to the past as heatwaves, then the Arctic is the place on Earth where heatwaves occur most frequently."

Lee expressed concern that if the rate of glacier melting accelerates due to rising Arctic temperatures, global damage could occur. This is because landslides may happen, or glaciers may flow into the sea causing sea levels to rise, similar to the recent sudden collapse of glaciers in the Alps in Europe due to heatwaves, which resulted in loss of lives. If all of Greenland melts, global sea levels would rise by 7 meters, and Korea could also suffer damage from rising sea levels.

To slow the rate of glacier melting, Lee emphasized the need to reduce carbon dioxide, the biggest cause of global warming. He said, "Globally, carbon neutrality policies are being promoted to prevent further increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide," adding, "Since most of the energy humans use comes from carbon-based fuels, it is urgent to implement policies that reduce energy consumption or use renewable energy such as solar and wind power." He also stated, "It is important for individuals to live with awareness of this issue."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.