Meteorologist estimates probability of Arctic sea ice melting by 2027

Alexander Shuvalov, a forecaster, meteorologist, climatologist and head of the Meteo forecasting center, told Izvestia on December 5 about the consequences of ice melting in the Arctic.

Earlier, on December 3, the Daily Mail reported that the Arctic could be free of ice by 2027. It was reported that the first summer when all Arctic sea ice completely melts will come by 2027.

"The overall global climate change will lead to higher temperatures, a shift of natural climate zones to the north and more problems with permafrost," Shuvalov said.

The expert mentioned that this is one of the options that were presented at the University of Gothenburg. He noted that the temperature increase in the Arctic region is certainly faster than the average in the northern hemisphere, the chances of complete disappearance of sea ice in the coming years are extremely low.

In addition, the specialist spoke about the impact of global warming on the territory of the Russian Federation. According to him, global climate change will lead to an increase in temperature, the movement of natural climate zones to the north, as well as more problems with permafrost.

"Another of the minuses is desertification in those areas that even now lack moisture, and these are mainly our grain-growing regions," the meteorologist specified.

If we consider global climate change from the positive side, we can emphasize the increase in the productivity of forests and agriculture in the middle belt and in the south of Siberia.

Earlier, Irina Golovacheva, Deputy Director of the Institute of Ecology of the Patrice Lumumba RUDN told "Izvestia" about the consequences due to the melting of ice. According to her, the melting of ice leads to an increase in the ocean water level, and hence the spheres of influence of melting glaciers.