Ocean Acidification in Greenland: Unveiling the Impacts on Arctic Marine Ecosystems

Abstract

Ocean acidification, driven by the uptake of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO₂) into marine environments, poses a significant threat to Arctic marine ecosystems, particularly in regions like Greenland where cold waters and low buffering capacities exacerbate the process. This article examines the specific impacts of ocean acidification on Greenland’s marine environments and the broader Arctic ecosystem, focusing on species vulnerability, food web disruptions, and socioeconomic consequences for local communities. Through a comprehensive situational analysis and literature review, the study highlights the urgent need for international cooperation via intergovernmental organizations and treaties to mitigate these impacts. Key recommendations include enhanced monitoring programs, policy integration within frameworks like the Arctic Council, and alignment with global agreements such as the Paris Agreement. The conclusion underscores the interconnectedness of climate change and ocean acidification, calling for immediate, collaborative action to protect Arctic marine biodiversity.

Introduction

The Arctic region, often described as the frontline of climate change, is experiencing environmental shifts at an unprecedented rate. Among these changes, ocean acidification (OA) emerges as a critical yet under-discussed threat, particularly in areas surrounding Greenland. Ocean acidification results from the absorption of excess atmospheric CO₂ by seawater, leading to a decrease in pH, reduced carbonate ion availability, and altered marine chemistry. This process is accelerated in the Arctic due to colder waters, which absorb more CO₂, and the region’s unique oceanographic features, such as high stratification and low buffering capacity.

Greenland, with its extensive coastline and dependence on marine resources, serves as a focal point for understanding OA’s ecological and socioeconomic ramifications. Marine ecosystems in this region support diverse species, including shellfish, fish, and marine mammals, which are integral to both biodiversity and the livelihoods of Indigenous and local communities. This article aims to unveil the specific impacts of OA on Greenland’s marine ecosystems, explore the broader implications for the Arctic, and assess the role of intergovernmental organizations and treaties in addressing this pressing issue.

The study is structured to provide a situational analysis of OA in Greenland, a review of existing literature, a discussion of ecological and societal impacts, actionable recommendations, and a conclusion that integrates findings with global policy needs. By connecting scientific evidence with policy frameworks, this article seeks to contribute to the growing discourse on Arctic environmental protection in the context of climate change.

Situational Analysis

Ocean Acidification in Greenland’s Waters

The Arctic Ocean, including the waters surrounding Greenland, is undergoing some of the fastest rates of ocean acidification globally. Cold water temperatures increase the solubility of CO₂, resulting in higher uptake and more rapid declines in seawater pH. Additionally, Arctic waters have lower alkalinity, meaning they possess a reduced capacity to buffer pH changes compared to other oceanic regions. Research indicates that acidified waters have expanded significantly in the western Arctic since the 1990s, with impacts reaching areas close to Greenland’s coastline.

In Greenland, melting glaciers and ice sheets introduce substantial freshwater into marine environments, further reducing salinity and buffering capacity. This exacerbates OA, particularly in fjord systems and shelf seas where many marine species reside. The Greenland Sea and adjacent Arctic waters are also influenced by seasonal sea ice melt, which amplifies stratification and traps acidic surface waters, limiting mixing with deeper, less affected layers.

Ecological Vulnerability

Marine species in Greenland’s waters, such as calcifying organisms (e.g., pteropods, mollusks, and corals), are highly vulnerable to OA due to their reliance on carbonate ions for shell and skeletal formation. Studies have documented severe shell dissolution in pteropods in areas like the Amundsen Gulf, near Greenland’s western reaches, signaling broader ecosystem risks. These species form the foundation of Arctic food webs, supporting fish, seabirds, and marine mammals, including culturally and economically significant species like the Greenland halibut and narwhal.

Socioeconomic Context

Greenland’s economy and cultural identity are deeply intertwined with marine resources. Fishing accounts for a substantial portion of the territory’s export revenue, with communities relying on species that are directly or indirectly affected by OA. The potential decline of key stocks due to ecosystem disruptions poses a threat to food security and livelihoods, particularly for Indigenous Inuit populations. Understanding the situational dynamics of OA in Greenland is thus not only an ecological imperative but also a socioeconomic one, necessitating integrated responses at local and international levels.

Literature Review

Extensive research over the past decade has illuminated the mechanisms and consequences of ocean acidification in Arctic environments, with specific relevance to Greenland. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has established a clear causal link between anthropogenic CO₂ emissions and OA, noting that Arctic regions are particularly susceptible due to their unique physical and chemical ocean properties (IPCC, 2019). Studies published by the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP), a working group of the Arctic Council, further document the rapid progression of OA in Greenland’s surrounding waters, highlighting impacts on calcifying organisms and food web stability (AMAP, 2021).

Recent machine learning analyses of Arctic Ocean acidification patterns reveal distinct regional sensitivities, with Greenland’s coastal areas identified as high-risk zones due to seasonal ice melt and freshwater inputs (Zhang et al., 2022). These studies underscore the role of warming temperatures and ice loss in accelerating OA, particularly in early summer months when surface waters are most exposed to atmospheric CO₂. Additionally, research by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicates that acidified waters have expanded northward by hundreds of nautical miles since the 1990s, encroaching on Greenland’s marine habitats (NOAA, 2017).

Ecological studies point to widespread impacts on marine biodiversity. For instance, pteropod shell dissolution has been documented as a direct consequence of lower pH levels in Arctic waters near Greenland, with cascading effects on predators like fish and marine mammals (Niemi et al., 2021). Higher trophic levels, including commercial fish species, face indirect threats through prey scarcity and habitat degradation. Moreover, OA interacts synergistically with other stressors like warming temperatures and deoxygenation, amplifying negative outcomes for Arctic ecosystems (Pörtner et al., 2019).

On the policy front, literature emphasizes the role of intergovernmental organizations such as the Arctic Council in coordinating research and response strategies for OA. The Arctic Council’s frameworks, including the Agreement on Cooperation on Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response in the Arctic (2013), provide platforms for addressing marine environmental challenges, though specific OA policies remain underdeveloped (Arctic Council, 2020). Global treaties like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement also indirectly address OA by targeting CO₂ emissions, the root cause of the phenomenon (UNFCCC, 2015).

Despite these contributions, gaps in the literature remain, particularly regarding localized impacts in Greenland and the effectiveness of international cooperation in mitigating OA. Few studies integrate socioeconomic dimensions with ecological data, limiting the understanding of how OA affects human communities in Greenland. This review highlights the need for interdisciplinary research and stronger policy alignment to address these deficiencies.

Discussion

Ecological Impacts in Greenland

The ecological consequences of ocean acidification in Greenland are multifaceted, affecting species at all trophic levels. Calcifying organisms, such as pteropods and bivalves, are directly impacted by the reduced availability of carbonate ions, leading to thinner, more brittle shells or complete dissolution. These organisms are critical to the diet of many Arctic species, including fish like cod and halibut, which are central to Greenland’s fisheries. As foundational species decline, the entire food web faces potential collapse, threatening biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.

Marine mammals, such as seals and whales, which rely on fish and other prey, are indirectly affected by OA-induced changes in prey availability. For instance, the narwhal, an iconic species in Greenlandic culture, may face habitat stress as its primary prey, like Arctic cod, adapts to shifting environmental conditions. Coral communities, though less extensive in Greenland’s waters, also suffer from OA, reducing habitat complexity and shelter for juvenile fish and other organisms.

Socioeconomic Ramifications

The socioeconomic impacts of OA in Greenland are profound, given the territory’s reliance on marine resources. Fisheries, which constitute a significant portion of Greenland’s economy, are at risk as key species face population declines. Small-scale and subsistence fishing, practiced by many Indigenous communities, are particularly vulnerable, as they lack the resources to adapt to sudden resource scarcity. Additionally, OA may affect aquaculture initiatives, such as mussel farming, due to impaired shell growth in acidified waters.

Beyond economics, the cultural heritage of Greenland’s Inuit population is intricately linked to marine life, with species like seals and fish playing central roles in traditional practices and diets. Disruptions to these ecosystems threaten not only food security but also cultural identity, highlighting the need for inclusive policy responses that prioritize community perspectives.

Role of Intergovernmental Organizations and Treaties

Addressing ocean acidification in Greenland requires coordinated international action, given the transboundary nature of marine ecosystems and carbon emissions. The Arctic Council, comprising eight Arctic states including Denmark (representing Greenland), serves as a primary forum for regional environmental governance. Through initiatives like AMAP, the Council has advanced OA research and raised awareness, though actionable policies specific to acidification are limited.

Global treaties also play a crucial role. The Paris Agreement, adopted under the UNFCCC, aims to limit global temperature rise by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, indirectly mitigating OA by curbing atmospheric CO₂ levels. However, the Agreement does not explicitly address OA, underscoring the need for complementary frameworks. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) offers another avenue, with targets like Aichi Target 10 focusing on minimizing pressures on vulnerable ecosystems, including those affected by OA.

Despite these frameworks, challenges remain in translating commitments into localized action for Greenland. Enforcement mechanisms are often weak, and funding for Arctic-specific research and adaptation programs is insufficient. Moreover, the interconnectedness of OA with other climate issues necessitates an integrated approach that bridges regional and global efforts, ensuring that Greenland’s unique vulnerabilities are adequately addressed.

Recommendations

Based on the analysis of ocean acidification in Greenland and its impacts on Arctic marine ecosystems, the following recommendations are proposed to guide research, policy, and international cooperation:

• Enhanced Monitoring and Research: Establish long-term monitoring programs in Greenland’s waters to track pH changes, carbonate ion availability, and species responses. Collaborate with organizations like NOAA and AMAP to integrate data into regional and global databases, ensuring comprehensive understanding of OA trends.
• Localized Adaptation Strategies: Develop community-based adaptation plans for Greenlandic fishing communities, focusing on diversification of livelihoods and sustainable aquaculture practices that account for OA risks. Involve Indigenous knowledge in crafting these strategies to ensure cultural relevance.
• Policy Integration within Arctic Council: Advocate for a dedicated OA action plan within the Arctic Council, building on existing frameworks like AMAP. This plan should prioritize funding for Greenland-specific research and mitigation projects, alongside capacity-building for local stakeholders.
• Alignment with Global Treaties: Strengthen the integration of OA mitigation within the Paris Agreement and CBD by explicitly addressing marine chemistry in national commitments. Encourage Arctic states to champion OA-related targets in international negotiations, leveraging Greenland’s case as a critical example.
• Public Awareness and Education: Launch campaigns to educate Greenlandic communities and global audiences about OA’s impacts on Arctic ecosystems. Partner with NGOs and intergovernmental organizations to disseminate accessible information, fostering grassroots support for mitigation efforts.
• International Funding Mechanisms: Establish dedicated funding streams through mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund to support OA research and adaptation in Arctic regions, with a focus on vulnerable areas like Greenland. Ensure equitable distribution of resources to local communities.

Conclusion

Ocean acidification in Greenland represents a microcosm of the broader challenges facing Arctic marine ecosystems in the era of climate change. The rapid decline in seawater pH, driven by anthropogenic CO₂ emissions, threatens the region’s biodiversity, disrupts food webs, and undermines the socioeconomic fabric of local communities. Calcifying organisms, fish stocks, and marine mammals are at risk, with cascading effects on Greenland’s fisheries and cultural heritage.

The role of intergovernmental organizations and treaties is pivotal in addressing this crisis, with the Arctic Council and global frameworks like the Paris Agreement offering platforms for collaboration. However, current efforts fall short of the localized, actionable policies needed to protect Greenland’s unique marine environments. The recommendations provided—ranging from enhanced monitoring to policy advocacy—aim to bridge this gap, ensuring that scientific understanding translates into meaningful outcomes.

Ultimately, combating ocean acidification requires a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of ecological, socioeconomic, and climatic factors. Greenland’s plight serves as a clarion call for urgent, cooperative action to safeguard Arctic ecosystems and the human communities that depend on them. By prioritizing international partnerships and integrating OA into broader climate strategies, the global community can work toward a resilient future for the Arctic and beyond.

References

• AMAP. (2021). Arctic Ocean Acidification Assessment: Summary for Policymakers. Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/articles/oceanacidification.htm
• Arctic Council. (2020). Arctic Council COP25 Side Event on Ocean Acidification. Retrieved from https://arctic-council.org/news/arctic-council-cop25-side-event-on-ocean-acidification-was-a-call-for-action/
• IPCC. (2019). Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
• Niemi, A., Bednaršek, N., & Michel, C. (2021). Biological Impact of Ocean Acidification in the Canadian Arctic: Widespread Severe Pteropod Shell Dissolution in Amundsen Gulf. Frontiers in Marine Science, 8, 600184. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.600184
• NOAA. (2017). Research Shows Ocean Acidification is Spreading Rapidly in the Arctic. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved from https://www.climate.gov/news-features/features/research-shows-ocean-acidification-spreading-rapidly-arctic
• Pörtner, H. O., Roberts, D. C., & Masson-Delmotte, V. (Eds.). (2019). IPCC Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
• UNFCCC. (2015). Paris Agreement. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
• Zhang, Y., Yamamoto-Kawai, M., & Williams, W. J. (2022). Regional Sensitivity Patterns of Arctic Ocean Acidification Revealed with Machine Learning. Communications Earth & Environment, 3, 84. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-022-00419-4