TURN DOWN THE HEAT

One Woman's Quest to Understand Climate Change

"The Arctic is literally melting before our eyes."

Permafrost, a thick frozen layer of ground found primarily in polar regions, contains twice as much carbon as the atmosphere.

As ice melts from global warming, Arctic lakes form and become natural digesters that turn soil microbes into methane- a much more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.

Understanding the implications of thawing permafrost and the impact of melting Arctic lakes leaking methane has become critical to understanding climate change.

"Up to 10% of the projected global warming this century could come from thawing permafrost"

The Arctic is warming twice as fast as the rest of the planet and Katey Walter Anthony's research has helped to reveal that Arctic lakes are emitting five times more methane than previously thought.

Emissions from these lakes, also known as thermokarst lakes, are expected to peak by 2050, and it takes just one year for those powerful greenhouse gases to mix into our global atmosphere.

"Most polar bears, for example, could become extinct from the wild by the end of this century."

The question is no longer whether the Arctic is melting, but rather how fast. NASA has reported that while many models predict the Arctic Ocean will become ice-free for at least part of the year before 2100, other models predict that it will happen much quicker - within the next fifty years. Either way, the consequences would be devastating for natural ecosystems.

"When businesses and people make smart decisions about what technology we use, that will also make a positive difference for our environment."

Although Katey recognizes how this may paint a grim picture for the future, she is quick to say that people need to spend more time connecting with nature rather than living in fear. "By getting outside, the impact on our health and our relationship with the natural environment will improve. Regaining this connection with nature is one of the most important things we can do. When out hearts are in it, that will guide our future decisions to do the right thing."

"When we invest in energy-saving technology, it will save us money in the long-term while immediately reducing our carbon footprint."

Katey prints copies of maps and data from her field research, and notes that companies like Epson have introduced heat-free technology printers with low power consumption. Less energy use means less fossils fuels which means less carbon emissions going into the atmosphere.

Shaping the future of printing with Heat-Free Technology

Switch to Heat-Free Technology for lower power consumption. Thinking about every page you print can make a difference in overcoming global warming.

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Disclaimer:

All quotes have been taken from "TURN DOWN THE HEAT" article created by Costes Christ and Nina Boys, National Graphic Creative Works.