In the Arctic It's Still Cold—But Not Cold Enough

Polar bears aren't the only Arctic creatures suffering because their habitat is changing. Research has uncovered alarming evidence that high Arctic ponds, many which have been permanent bodies of water for thousands of years, are completely drying out during the polar summer, due to climate change. Arctic plants are faring better—they are migrating long distances in order to survive.

Researchers Marianne Douglas and John Smol have been studying the same 40 Arctic ponds for 24 years, and have recently found evidence of lower water levels and changes in water chemistry consistent with an increase in evaporation caused by warmer temperatures. Douglas says, "It was quite shocking to see some of our largest study ponds dry up by early summer."

Meanwhile, BBC News reports that Arctic plants are surviving by moving to higher (and colder) ground.