Below a summary of our general findings from the GUE/NGL Greenland trip August 2007.
Jens Holm
Greenland – melting 1992-2002
ACIA/Map
Greenland Climate Change – general findings
• The Ilulissat glacier doubled its speed 1997-2003. 35 meters a day (summer time).
• It melts 40 km3/year, in one day = New York/year.
• The Ilulissat glacier sinks with 15m/year.
• It has retreated 6.5 km since 2000.
• Greenlands ice melts 350 km3 H2O/year; increase 40% 1999-2005.
• There are plenty of melting lakes on the inland ice.
• Camp Swiss has been flooded due to melting.
• Bottom sea temp Disco Bay from +3 to +7 C betw. 2002-2007.
• The sea in the Disco Bay hasn´t frozen since 1996.
• Devastating consequences for fishing and traditional inuit life.
• Dog slede routes to be redirected.
• Amount of slede dogs decreased from 10 000 to 5 000 in ten years.
• More of unusual and bad weather (storms, high waves, coldness) since no protection from ice.
• New water bourne animal spieces (wales).
• Ice melts = spieces threatened (e.g polar bear).
• Ice melting = new turist possibilities
• Ice melting = natural resources possibilities
• 2007: The Northwest Passage ice free