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New reports from Norway. Fjords may help... in the fight against climate change
This is good news for the climate. Fot. Adobe Stock, licencja standardowa
Kongsfjorden in Svalbard absorbs more greenhouse gases and nutrients than it emits. This comes from the latest research by the Norwegian Polar Institute. Scientists used a new method. The discovery gives hope for a better understanding of how nature can slow down climate change. Researchers warn that warming waters may threaten this process in the future.
The research results, published in the journal Scientific Reports, show that Kongsfjorden acts as a natural reservoir for greenhouse gases. Thanks to a new model, it was possible to precisely track the flows of nitrogen and carbon in the water.
Pedro Duarte from the Norwegian Polar Institute emphasizes that the fjord absorbs more of these substances than it releases. If a similar phenomenon occurs in other parts of the Arctic, it could be beneficial for the climate and ecosystems. Scientists describe Kongsfjorden as a "living laboratory" that allows them to observe changes in nature faster than in other regions of Svalbard.
Pedro Duarte from the Norwegian Polar Institute emphasizes that the fjord absorbs more of these substances than it releases. If a similar phenomenon occurs in other parts of the Arctic, it could be beneficial for the climate and ecosystems. Scientists describe Kongsfjorden as a "living laboratory" that allows them to observe changes in nature faster than in other regions of Svalbard.
"The Arctic's Living Laboratory"
Kongsfjorden has been a site of regular scientific research for years. Experts collect water samples there and analyze their chemical composition. Philipp Assmy from the Norwegian Polar Institute explains that nitrogen is essential for the development of phytoplankton, which forms the basis of the marine food chain.
The method used allows for a more precise determination of how water circulation affects the fjord's ability to absorb greenhouse gases. The ocean, which absorbs about a quarter of global emissions, remains one of the most important elements in limiting the effects of climate change.
The method used allows for a more precise determination of how water circulation affects the fjord's ability to absorb greenhouse gases. The ocean, which absorbs about a quarter of global emissions, remains one of the most important elements in limiting the effects of climate change.
Kongsfjorden has become a key research site for studying the role of oceans in climate protection.Photo: Pixabay.com
Scientists plan to expand monitoring
The research team plans to expand the Kongsfjorden observation program to better understand the impact of warming waters on the ecosystem and local communities. Scientists point out that as water temperatures rise, the fjord's ability to absorb gases and nutrients may decrease.
Pedro Duarte emphasizes that expanding the observation system is part of the tasks assigned to the Norwegian Polar Institute by the Ministry of Climate and Environment. The goal is to make better use of scientific knowledge to plan future conservation efforts in the Arctic.
Pedro Duarte emphasizes that expanding the observation system is part of the tasks assigned to the Norwegian Polar Institute by the Ministry of Climate and Environment. The goal is to make better use of scientific knowledge to plan future conservation efforts in the Arctic.
Research key to understanding climate change
Kristoffer Hansen, State Secretary at the Ministry of Climate and Environment, points out that the Kongsfjorden area is a unique place for conducting research on climate change in the Arctic. Long-term observations allow for a better understanding of the impact of warming on the marine environment.
According to Hansen, such research is important for understanding global changes in the carbon cycle. Although nature still absorbs part of the emissions, this does not change the fact that it is necessary to continue reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
According to Hansen, such research is important for understanding global changes in the carbon cycle. Although nature still absorbs part of the emissions, this does not change the fact that it is necessary to continue reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
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