France Commits €1 Billion to Polar Research Amid Melting Polar Regions

By 2030, France plans to invest €1 billion in arctic research.

According to sources, the action is being taken in response to mounting scientific worry about the accelerated melting of the worldwide ice caps and glaciers.

During a conference in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the urgency of action, saying that they are not talking about a threat for tomorrow but one that already exists and has been growing. He added that we are talking about a cryosphere [Earth’s ice] transition that already affects millions and will harm billions of people with various both direct and indirect repercussions.

According to The Guardian, the endeavour will be led by a new Arctic science vessel. France is calling for a moratorium on seabed exploitation in polar zones, and numerous countries have signed on, including the UK, Brazil, Canada, France, and 19 others.

John Kerry, the USA’s special presidential envoy on climate change, sent a video message instead of attending the Paris summit. In it, he stated that it is essential to understand the tipping points, the points where there is no reclaiming and no coming back.

Concerns about polar temperatures

Scientists have concerns about rising temperatures at the two poles, which have resulted in heatwaves.

As one scientist put it, this year has been “gobsmackingly bananas,” with ocean temperatures far above usual.

The Earth’s ice caps play an important role in reflecting sunlight into space, a process called the “albedo effect,” and the melting could hasten climate change by lowering this reflection.

Climate change is regarded as a minor issue [when compared to conflicts and national security]… Nevertheless, there cannot be any bargain with the melting point of ice, stated Pam Pearson, creator and head of the International Cryosphere Climate Initiative.

References: Wio and Guardian

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Source: Maritime Shipping News