Following the news of the Milne Ice Shelf calving event in July, Science just published a Perspective by Warwick Vincent and Derek Mueller that calls for enhanced conservation of vulnerable ice-dependent ecosystems in both the marine and terrestrial environment along the planet’s northern-most coastline. This region, known as the “Last Ice Area” (from northern Greenland in the east to the NWT in the west) stands the best chance of retaining sea ice in a warming world. Temporary protection of the marine environment (Tuvaijuittuq Marine Protected Area) needs to be made permanent and expanded both across borders and onto land to conserve icy habitats. Local conservation action will remove multiple environmental stressors but this must be complemented by global greenhouse gas reductions to meet our Paris commitments to pull this off effectively. Together we can do this!
Perspective in Science calls for augmenting conservation in the Last Ice Area
About the Author: Derek Mueller
Derek Mueller's Bio is here
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