Invited Editorial: Vulnerable populations in the Arctic

Abstract

Earth’s average surface temperature is rising unusually fast. This global warming process is deemed by international scientific assessment to be predominantly due to human economic activities. Recent research indicates that, globally, the rate of emission of greenhouse gases is increasing, as is the rise in sea level and the loss of summer Arctic sea ice. Currently, the warming trend is ‘tracking’ at the top of the range of the previously modelled forecasts. Meanwhile, concerns are growing that, as higher temperatures are reached, reinforcing (‘positive’) feedback systems in nature will accelerate the process.

(Published: 22 November 2011)

Citation: Global Health Action 2011, 4: 11210 - DOI: 10.3402/gha.v4i0.11210