threats to the arctic

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threat number 1

Toxic chemicals are produced around the world and arrive in the Arctic via wind and water currents affecting plants and animals

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threat number 2

Populations of some whales are still dangerously low after centuries of hunting.

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threat number 3

The Arctic is the object of intense mining and oil development interests, in particular in Alaska, Canada and the Barents sea. This development would provide jobs but cause pollution.

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threat number 4

The amount of permanent sea ice is decreasing and one theory suggests that it'll all be gone by 2070! 

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threat number 5

Due to settlement and the influence of outsiders, the Inuit culture is beginning to disappear. Social problems such as drag use and alcoholism are also a problem.

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threat number 6

the tree line (edge of habitat where trees will grow) will move north

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threat number 7

Tundra ecosystems will be lost as the climate warms and other plants take over

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threat number 8

fish stocks in some Arctic waters are being fished to extinction.

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threat number 9

Different species (e.g. spruce bark beetle) with move north

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Threat number 10

Polar bears live and hunt on sea ice. As this melts, they will not be able to hunt and with eventually die out

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Threat number 11

Warmer water reduces the quality of marine plants that support the food chain. this negative multiplier effect affects fish such as cod and large animals such as seals

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Threat number 12

Inuit will hunt on ice for up to three months. this will soon become dangerous as the ice will be weak

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Threat number 13

Ice to protect the Inuit villages on the coast. they will now suffer from storms and erosion

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threat number 14

80% of Inuit still hunt caribou, fish and marine mammals. all of these are declining in number 

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