The Arctic Tundra: A Carbon Sink in Peril
- vidyarthee2021
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Recent scientific findings have highlighted a worrying trend in the Arctic Tundra Biome—once considered a crucial carbon sink, it is now losing its ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The primary driver behind this shift is the increasing intensity and frequency of wildfires, many of which are being triggered or worsened by global climate change.
Understanding the Arctic Tundra Biome
Geographical Extent:
Found north of the Arctic Circle (66° 33′ N).
Covers parts of Alaska, northern Canada, Greenland, and northern Russia.
Climate Characteristics:
Experiences extremely cold temperatures, often below 0°C for 6 to 10 months.
Receives very low precipitation, often less than 250 mm per year, making it climatically similar to deserts.
Key Feature – Permafrost:
The soil remains permanently frozen in the sub-surface layer.
Permafrost traps organic carbon which would otherwise decompose and release CO₂.
Flora and Fauna of the Tundra
Vegetation:
Lacks deep root systems due to frozen soil.
Dominated by mosses, lichens, sedges, grasses, and dwarf shrubs.
Wildlife:
Hosts uniquely adapted species such as:
Lemmings
Arctic Wolves
Polar Bears
Snowy Owls and Arctic Foxes
Tundra and Global Carbon Balance
The tundra has traditionally acted as a major carbon sink, storing billions of tonnes of carbon in frozen plant and animal matter.
Rising global temperatures and wildfires are now:
Thawing permafrost, releasing methane and CO₂.
Destroying vegetation, reducing carbon absorption capacity.
Why It Matters for UPSC
Tied to GS Paper 1 (Geography) and GS Paper 3 (Climate Change, Environment).
Relevant under themes like:
Biome distribution
Carbon cycle and climate feedback loops
Impact of global warming on polar ecosystems
Supports Essay and Ethics topics on sustainable living and environmental justice.
UPSC Prelims Question
With reference to the Arctic Tundra Biome, consider the following statements:
The Arctic Tundra receives more precipitation annually than tropical rainforests.
Permafrost in the region plays a role in storing carbon and slowing global warming.
Wildfires in the Arctic Tundra help increase its carbon absorption potential.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 2 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect – Arctic Tundra receives very low precipitation, less than tropical rainforests.
Statement 2 is correct – Permafrost stores carbon, helping in climate regulation.
Statement 3 is incorrect – Wildfires reduce the carbon-absorbing capacity of the biome.
UPSC Mains Question
Q. Climate change is transforming the Arctic Tundra from a carbon sink to a carbon source. Examine the implications of this shift for global climate systems and suggest mitigation strategies.
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