Suggest how melting ice in the Arctic might –a. Bring advantages and –b. Create problems for people there and elsewhere (10)

Arctic’s ice melting will bring advantages and disadvantages to the people who live there and possibly worldwide too. Due to climate change, the temperature at the Arctic is expected to rise at least three degrees over land and seven degrees over the oceans; which means definite melting ice in the Arctic will happen. Excellent intro – sets the tone well

An advantage of the ice melting in the Arctic would be the Northern Sea Route. At the moment, this is not available to access all year around, however when it can be used; it is the quickest route to travel from Europe to the Pacific and Asia. Good! Due to the melting ice in Arctic, there will be a few changes in some food webs such as the fishes; this could lead to new species being created or having species living in the Arctic where they have never lived before. Link back to people – could mean more possibilities for farming, fishing etc

Disadvantage about the ice melting in the Arctic would be that it will cause the vegetation to shift. It has been predicted that the tree line will move in the northern direction, which will make forests moving into the ice areas. This will lead a decline in certain species that would live in the forest which will then make hunting decline too which to a few people in Arctic is their source of food. I’m not sure this is the best negative, some might say its a positive that trees can grow because of the increased biodiversity etc, which is what you used as your previous point. I’d rather go with the eustatic sea level rise and associated flooding and erosion, which you mention next

This also causes indirect impacts to other countries around the world because it will raise sea levels. Mega cities such as London and New York will be at huge risk as the melting of ice will eventually reach land and have most of the city possibly under water. Good

To conclude, melting ice in the Arctic will bring both advantages and disadvantages for those who live in the Arctic and around the world; however there will be more disadvantages for the majority. A neat conclusion, you might be able to say that another positive might be that the potential oil under the arctic might become available.

PS. TEACHERS COMMENTS IN BOLD.

Published by

Myhanh Ha

Currently studying International Politics and Law at Middlesex university!

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