Arctic Heat Again

It is no surprise to hear that a place is getting hotter. For those who follow more closely, it is no surprise to hear that the arctic is heating up faster. That speed of heating and the extent has gone beyond obvious to become incredible, as in hard to believe. Northern Siberia is 45F above normal for this time of year. The image of Siberia as a frigid wasteland is being melted as perma-frost is far less perma-, sea ice isn’t iced nearly as much, and in place of snowy or rainy or misty terrain there are wildfires farther north than ever. Night-time temperatures of 72.5F in Helsinki are another example. The world is changing, and it is difficult imaging it changing back. Species, include us, will have to adapt – quickly, or else.