The Polar Excess

Comprehensive new study confirms that global warming is devastating Arctic

For the handful of people left in the world who don't yet believe it, a comprehensive new study should remove all doubt that the Arctic is being ravaged by global warming. The four-year study, commissioned by eight nations with Arctic territory (including the U.S.), was conducted by nearly 300 scientists as well as representatives from native communities in the region. It concluded that while global warming will have a few beneficial effects, like a longer growing season, the consequences will be overwhelmingly negative for wildlife and human communities. It also concludes pointedly that "human influences, resulting primarily from increased emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, have now become the dominant factor" in climate change. The report's official release has been pushed back to Nov. 9 -- some say due to political considerations regarding the U.S. election -- but large sections were provided to The New York Times last week.