Climate change is causing significant shifts in the chemistry of major Arctic rivers, according to a recent study. Researchers found that the six largest rivers in the region are now carrying less inorganic nitrogen, a vital nutrient for marine ecosystems. This decrease is attributed to warming temperatures and thawing permafrost, which are altering the rivers’ composition and essentially “starving” the Arctic Ocean.

The potential consequences include a negative impact on coastal food webs, which are crucial for Indigenous communities and the overall marine ecosystem.

Source: Environmental News Network