Arctic Sea Ice Day at COP26 Cryosphere Pavilion

Nov. 5 (Friday): Arctic Sea Ice

10:00 Consequences: Acidification “Hot Spots” in the North Sea

Arctic sea ice loss also has impacts in near-polar seas, including the North Sea that lies between COP-26 host Scotland and Norway. The increased meltwater from Greenland and increased permafrost thaw from sea ice loss are among several factors making the North Sea an acidification “hot spot.” What will this future look like, and how can its worst impacts be prevented? Organized by Plymouth Marine Laboratory

11:30 The Permafrost-Sea Ice Connection

Loss of sea ice is associated with permafrost thaw in Earth’s past; this side event will explore that connection, and look at projections should temperature rise continue. Organized by the Bolin Centre/Stockholm University

13:00  Sea Ice Projections

Sea ice loss is very closely tracked with CO2 emissions and rising temperature.  Even at 1.5°C, we are likely to see brief occasional ice-free conditions by end of the Arctic summer; but these will occur nearly every year at 1.7°C, and stretch for longer periods throughout the summer and fall as temperatures rise.  A look at the future of Arctic sea ice, and its impacts on the global climate system. Organized by University College London and the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC)

14:30  CAA Arctic Sea Ice and BC

When black carbon (BC) settles onto snow and ice, melting accelerates, and the loss of reflectivity creates a feedback loop exacerbating global heating. BC also has health impacts for local communities.  Arctic shipping is increasing as reduced sea ice opens up access to resources, and interest in shorter trans-Arctic shipping routes grows. Despite global efforts, ships’ BC emissions are rising – BC emissions from shipping in the Arctic increased 85% between 2015 and 2019. Reductions in BC emissions from shipping in or near the Arctic can be introduced rapidly and have an immediate impact in reducing melting of snow and ice. Organized by the Clean Arctic Alliance. 

16:00  Extreme Weather, Sea Ice and Arctic Warming

Loss of Arctic sea ice may be ssociated with many recent extreme weather events, from droughts and wildfires in the U.S. and Canadian West, to flooding in Germany and northern Europe.  This event will explore the evidence for a connection between Arctic sea ice loss and extreme weather patterns at lower latitudes. Organized by the Woodwell Center for Climate Research.

18:00  Impact of Lost Sea Ice/Ecosystem Collapse

What are the impacts of Arctic and Southern Ocean sea ice loss on marine ecosystems and fisheries? Organized by PML and NSIDC

19:30  Cryosphere Cèlidh: Inuit Night

Music and songs by Inuit artists, including drumming and throat-singing. Organized by the Inuit Circumpolar Council.