More than 5% of the Arctic shows signs of human impact
A research team led by Gabriela Schaepman-Strub from the University of Zurich's Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies has taken a closer look at this issue. Working alongside colleagues from NASA and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the team used satellite data of nighttime artificial light to map the evolution and concentration of human activity in the Arctic between 1992 and 2013. "More than 800,000 km were affected by light pollution, corresponding to 5.1% of the 16.4 million km analyzed, with an annual increase of 4.8%," Schaepman-Strub explained. This standardized method allowed researchers to assess industrial activity across the Arctic without relying on economic data.
The European Arctic, along with oil and gas extraction areas in Alaska and Russia, were the most illuminated, with as much as a third of the land affected. In contrast, the Canadian Arctic remained largely dark. "We found that, on average, only 15% of the lit area in the Arctic contained human settlements, meaning most artificial light stems from industrial activity rather than urban development. This major source of light pollution is increasing each year," added Cengiz Akandil, a doctoral student on Schaepman-Strub's team.
Impact on ecosystems and sustainable development
These findings offer an important foundation for future studies on the environmental effects of industrial expansion in the Arctic. Akandil noted that "even repeated trampling by humans or tundra vehicles in permafrost landscapes can have long-term impacts extending beyond the illuminated zones detected by satellites."
The industrial activities contributing to light pollution are also harming Arctic biodiversity. Artificial light, for instance, disrupts the ability of reindeer to adapt to winter twilight, which is crucial for foraging and evading predators. Additionally, artificial lighting interferes with seasonal plant cycles, impacting species that rely on the region's brief growing season. Human activities, including resource extraction, further accelerate the spread of invasive species and environmental pollution.
Monitoring industrial activity is key to sustainability
The rapid climate shifts in the Arctic require local communities to adapt swiftly, and the increasing industrial activity compounds the challenges. Researchers estimate that if the growth rate of industrial development observed between 1940 and 1990 continues, 50-80% of the Arctic could face significant human disturbance by 2050.
"Our analysis of industrial development's spatial patterns is crucial for monitoring and planning in the Arctic. This information can help Indigenous communities, governments, and stakeholders make informed decisions aligned with sustainable development goals," Schaepman-Strub concluded.
Research Report:Artificial light at night reveals hotspots and rapid development of industrial activity in the Arctic
Related Links
Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich
Beyond the Ice Age
| Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters |
| Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters |
