Abstract
Ocean acidification, driven by the absorption of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) into seawater, poses a significant threat to Greenland’s marine ecosystems. This environmental crisis jeopardizes the region’s rich biodiversity, including critical species such as Arctic cod, Greenland halibut, and various shellfish, which are foundational to both ecological balance and local economies. This paper examines the chemical processes of ocean acidification, its specific impacts on Greenland’s unique marine environments, and the cascading effects on food security and indigenous livelihoods. Drawing on existing literature, the study highlights the vulnerability of cold-water ecosystems to pH changes and explores the role of intergovernmental organizations and treaties in mitigating these impacts. Recommendations are provided for localized monitoring, international cooperation, and policy interventions to address this growing crisis. The urgency of coordinated global action under frameworks such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is emphasized as critical for safeguarding Greenland’s marine biodiversity.
Introduction
The Arctic region, including Greenland, is often described as a bellwether for global environmental change due to its sensitivity to shifts in climate and ocean chemistry. Ocean acidification, a process resulting from the ocean’s absorption of excess atmospheric CO2, leads to a decrease in seawater pH, threatening marine ecosystems worldwide. In Greenland, where marine resources underpin both ecological systems and human livelihoods, the consequences of acidification are particularly acute. This phenomenon, often dubbed “climate change’s equally evil twin,” disrupts the physiology of marine organisms, alters food webs, and undermines ecosystem services essential for indigenous communities and commercial fisheries.
Greenland’s marine environment is characterized by cold, nutrient-rich waters that support a diverse array of species, from plankton to large marine mammals. These ecosystems are already under stress from warming temperatures and melting sea ice, and ocean acidification compounds these pressures, creating a multifaceted environmental crisis. This paper seeks to elucidate the mechanisms and impacts of ocean acidification on Greenland’s marine ecosystems, situating the issue within a global context by exploring connections to international policies and agreements. By synthesizing current research and policy frameworks, this article aims to underscore the urgency of addressing ocean acidification through scientific, economic, and diplomatic channels.
Situational Analysis
Ocean acidification occurs when seawater absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere, forming carbonic acid. This acid quickly dissociates, releasing hydrogen ions and bicarbonate, which lowers the pH of the water and reduces the availability of carbonate ions needed by many marine organisms to build calcium carbonate structures such as shells and skeletons. Approximately one-third of anthropogenic CO2 emissions have been absorbed by the oceans, resulting in a 30% increase in ocean acidity since the Industrial Revolution. The Arctic Ocean, including waters surrounding Greenland, is particularly vulnerable due to its cold temperatures, which enhance CO2 solubility, and seasonal ice melt, which dilutes seawater and lowers its buffering capacity.
In Greenland, key marine species such as pteropods (small swimming sea snails), bivalves, and coralline algae are directly affected by these changes in ocean chemistry. Pteropods, a critical food source for fish and seabirds, struggle to form their aragonite shells under acidic conditions, leading to population declines that ripple through the food web. Similarly, commercially important species like Greenland halibut and northern shrimp face indirect impacts through changes in prey availability and habitat degradation. The Greenland ice sheet’s rapid melting further exacerbates local acidification by introducing freshwater into marine environments, reducing salinity and carbonate ion concentrations.
Beyond ecological impacts, ocean acidification threatens the socioeconomic fabric of Greenland. The region’s economy is heavily dependent on fisheries, which account for a significant portion of exports and employment. Indigenous communities, including the Inuit, rely on marine resources for subsistence and cultural practices. Declines in fish and shellfish populations due to acidification could undermine food security and disrupt traditional ways of life. Moreover, the loss of ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration by marine organisms could hinder global efforts to mitigate climate change, creating a feedback loop of environmental degradation.
Literature Review
Extensive research has documented the global impacts of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems, with particular attention to cold-water environments like those in the Arctic. Studies show that the Arctic Ocean is acidifying at a faster rate than other regions due to its unique physical and chemical characteristics (AMAP, 2021). Cold water absorbs more CO2, and the influx of freshwater from melting ice reduces the ocean’s ability to neutralize acid, leading to steeper declines in pH (Steinacher et al., 2009). Research specific to Greenland highlights the vulnerability of calcifying organisms such as pteropods and shellfish, which exhibit shell dissolution and reduced growth rates under experimental acidic conditions (Comeau et al., 2012).
The cascading effects of these physiological impacts on broader ecosystems are well-documented. For instance, declines in pteropod populations have been linked to reduced food availability for commercially important fish species like Arctic cod, a keystone species in Greenland’s marine food web (Hoegh-Guldberg et al., 2017). Furthermore, acidification-induced changes in phytoplankton communities, the base of the marine food chain, can alter nutrient cycling and primary productivity, with downstream effects on higher trophic levels (Doney et al., 2020).
Human dimensions of ocean acidification are also gaining attention in the literature. In Greenland, where marine resources are integral to both economy and culture, the potential loss of fisheries due to acidification poses significant risks to livelihoods (Lam et al., 2016). Indigenous knowledge systems, which offer valuable insights into ecosystem changes, are increasingly recognized as critical for adaptive management strategies in the Arctic (Huntington et al., 2019). However, integrating such knowledge into mainstream scientific and policy frameworks remains a challenge.
From an international perspective, ocean acidification is addressed under several global agreements, though often indirectly through broader climate and biodiversity goals. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement focus on reducing CO2 emissions, which is the primary driver of acidification (UNFCCC, 2015). Additionally, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) includes targets to protect marine ecosystems, with specific relevance to acidification under Aichi Biodiversity Target 10, which aims to minimize anthropogenic pressures on vulnerable ecosystems (CBD, 2010). The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14.3, explicitly call for minimizing and addressing the impacts of ocean acidification through enhanced scientific cooperation (United Nations, 2015).
Despite these frameworks, gaps remain in addressing acidification at regional scales, particularly in the Arctic. The Arctic Council, an intergovernmental forum, has played a role in monitoring environmental changes through its Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP), but actionable policies targeting acidification are limited (AMAP, 2021). This underscores the need for localized research and policy interventions tailored to Greenland’s unique environmental and cultural context.
Discussion
The impacts of ocean acidification on Greenland’s marine ecosystems are multifaceted, encompassing ecological, economic, and cultural dimensions. At the ecological level, the vulnerability of calcifying organisms to pH changes threatens the stability of food webs. Species such as pteropods and bivalves, integral to the diet of fish and marine mammals, are at risk of population declines, which could lead to cascading effects on higher trophic levels, including commercially important species. The Arctic’s accelerated rate of acidification, driven by cold water chemistry and ice melt, exacerbates these risks, making Greenland a critical case study for understanding global ocean changes.
Economically, the potential decline in fisheries due to acidification poses a direct threat to Greenland’s economy, where marine exports constitute a significant revenue source. The Greenland halibut fishery, for example, is a cornerstone of the region’s export market, and disruptions to its population dynamics could have far-reaching consequences. Additionally, the reliance of indigenous communities on marine resources for subsistence highlights the cultural stakes of this crisis. Loss of traditional hunting and fishing practices due to declining species could erode cultural heritage and community resilience.
From a global governance perspective, ocean acidification in Greenland underscores the limitations of current intergovernmental frameworks in addressing localized environmental challenges. While the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement provide broad mandates for reducing CO2 emissions, they lack specific mechanisms for tackling acidification in vulnerable regions like the Arctic. Similarly, the CBD’s focus on biodiversity protection offers a platform for addressing ecosystem impacts, but implementation at the regional level remains inconsistent. The Arctic Council, though regionally focused, has yet to develop comprehensive strategies for combating acidification beyond monitoring and assessment.
One potential avenue for progress lies in leveraging the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14.3, which calls for minimizing acidification impacts through international cooperation. Collaborative research initiatives under this framework could enhance understanding of acidification dynamics in Greenland’s waters, informing adaptive management strategies. Additionally, partnerships between Arctic nations and global organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which supports ocean acidification research, could facilitate technology transfer and capacity building for monitoring programs.
However, challenges remain in translating global commitments into local action. Greenland’s semi-autonomous status within the Kingdom of Denmark creates complexities in policy implementation, as environmental governance must balance local priorities with international obligations. Furthermore, the lack of baseline data on acidification in Greenland’s marine environments hinders the development of targeted interventions. Addressing these gaps requires sustained investment in research infrastructure and the integration of indigenous knowledge to ensure culturally appropriate solutions.
Recommendations
Addressing the threat of ocean acidification to Greenland’s marine ecosystems demands a multi-pronged approach that integrates scientific research, local engagement, and international cooperation. The following recommendations outline actionable steps to mitigate impacts and build resilience:
- Establish Localized Monitoring Programs: Invest in long-term monitoring of ocean chemistry in Greenland’s coastal and offshore waters to track pH changes and their impacts on marine species. This should include the deployment of autonomous sensors and collaboration with research institutions to collect high-resolution data.
- Enhance Regional Research Capacity: Support capacity building for Greenlandic scientists and communities through partnerships with international organizations such as the IAEA and the Arctic Council. Training programs on ocean acidification monitoring and mitigation techniques can empower local stakeholders to lead research efforts.
- Integrate Indigenous Knowledge: Incorporate traditional ecological knowledge from Inuit communities into scientific research and policy development. Community-led monitoring initiatives can provide valuable insights into ecosystem changes and ensure that interventions align with cultural values.
- Strengthen International Cooperation: Advocate for specific commitments to address ocean acidification under global frameworks like the UNFCCC, CBD, and SDGs. Arctic nations should collaborate through the Arctic Council to develop a regional action plan for acidification, including shared funding mechanisms for research and mitigation.
- Promote Sustainable Fisheries Management: Implement adaptive fisheries management practices that account for the impacts of acidification on target species. This may include adjusting quotas, protecting critical habitats, and diversifying economic activities to reduce dependence on vulnerable marine resources.
- Raise Public Awareness: Increase awareness of ocean acidification among Greenlandic communities, policymakers, and the global public through educational campaigns and outreach. Highlighting the cultural and economic stakes of this crisis can mobilize support for conservation efforts.
Implementing these recommendations requires coordinated efforts across scales, from local communities to international bodies. Financial and technical support from global organizations will be critical to overcoming resource constraints in Greenland, while policy alignment with existing treaties can ensure that efforts contribute to broader climate and biodiversity goals.
Conclusion
Ocean acidification represents a profound and growing threat to Greenland’s marine ecosystems, with far-reaching implications for biodiversity, livelihoods, and cultural heritage. The region’s cold-water environments are uniquely vulnerable to pH declines, exacerbating the impacts on calcifying organisms, food webs, and commercially important species. As Greenland grapples with the compounded pressures of climate change, including warming temperatures and ice melt, addressing acidification emerges as an urgent priority.
While the ecological and socioeconomic consequences of acidification are clear, solutions remain complex and multifaceted. Bridging the gap between global commitments under treaties like the UNFCCC and CBD and local action in Greenland requires sustained investment in research, monitoring, and community engagement. International cooperation, underpinned by frameworks such as the SDGs and the Arctic Council, offers a pathway for coordinated action, but must be tailored to Greenland’s unique environmental and cultural context.
Ultimately, safeguarding Greenland’s marine ecosystems from ocean acidification demands a recognition of the interconnectedness of global and local environmental challenges. By integrating scientific innovation, indigenous knowledge, and diplomatic efforts, stakeholders can work toward a future where Greenland’s waters remain a source of life and sustenance for generations to come.
References
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- CBD. (2010). Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. Convention on Biological Diversity.
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- Lam, V. W., Cheung, W. W., Reygondeau, G., & Sumaila, U. R. (2016). Projected change in global fisheries revenues under climate change. Scientific Reports, 6, 32607. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep32607
- Steinacher, M., Joos, F., Frölicher, T. L., Plattner, G. K., & Doney, S. C. (2009). Imminent ocean acidification in the Arctic projected with the NCAR global coupled carbon cycle-climate model. Biogeosciences, 6(4), 515-533. https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-6-515-2009
- UNFCCC. (2015). Paris Agreement. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
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