Skip to main content

Why the Arctic is climate change's canary in the coal mine - William Chapman

211,024 Views

26,674 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

The Arctic may seem like a frozen and desolate environment where nothing ever changes. But the climate of this unique and remote region can be both an early indicator of the climate of the rest of the Earth and a driver for weather patterns across the globe. William Chapman explains why scientists often describe the Arctic as the “canary in the coal mine” when it comes to climate change.

Which of the following statements are true? 1. Reflectivity is higher in dark surfaces, absorption is higher in light surfaces. 2. Reflectivity is higher in light surfaces, absorption is higher in dark surfaces. 3. As Arctic ice melts, reflectivity decreases and absorption increases. 4. As Arctic ice melts, reflectivity increases and absorption decreases.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Bill Chapman
  • Director Sandro Katamashvili
  • Sound Designer Shotiko Shatberashvili
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

More from Our Changing Climate