The Polar regions are considered critical indicators of Global Warming.
Like the canary in the coal mine, the effects of Global Warming are seen first and most dramatically near the poles.
Warming at the poles directly affects the climate of the rest of the world
Melting ice and increased fresh-water output from Arctic rivers slows ocean circulation and raises sea level.
Retreating reflective snow and ice cover expose a greater area of dark-colored land and water that absorbs incoming solar radiation which further warms the oceans and earth.
Melting permafrost releases trapped carbon and methane greenhouse gasses.
Arctic soils hold one-third of the earth’s soil carbon. If this were released, it would dwarf human-caused emissions.