Typically, our poles serve to cool the Earth. If the poles begin to warm, our “cooling system” breaks down. Example: Polar ice reflects sunlight. If this ice melts, the sunlight isn’t reflected and Earth will warm even more. This is called a positive feedback.

Arctic sea ice is melting The year tends to be warmer More insects More trees with insect infestations Disruption to animal cycles and patterns (polar bear) Thawing permafrost= building collapse More trees grow, which absorb CO2, this could cause less warming. This is an example of a negative feedback.

Ice around Antarctica has actually been increasing slightly Possibly due to the isolation of Antarctica due its wind/ocean currents Cold air flowing off of the land keeps this region colder as well What will happen in the future??

If ice begins to melt, sea level will rise anywhere from 6 inches to nearly 2 feet. Coastal cities may flood Increased storm surge damage Freshwater drinking sources affected