Scientist alarms over rapid warming in Arctic - NHKニュース

A scientist studying the arctic says the area is warming much faster than the rest of the planet.

Maxime Geoffroy, chief scientist of the winter leg of France's Tara Ocean Foundation's Polaris arctic expedition, shared that alarming message ahead of the United Nations COP31 climate change conference next week. He spoke to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres online on Friday.

Geoffroy and 11 other crew members are conducting a long-term study of the atmosphere, ice and seawater in the Arctic on board the vessel, Tara Polar Station. The ship is on a drifting ice flow in the Arctic Ocean.

Geoffroy said, "The Arctic, and especially the Central Arctic Ocean, where we are now, is warming up three to four times faster than the rest of the planet, with direct impacts on the rest of the planet." He called for support to help scientists better forecast and understand climate change.

Guterres noted the need to counter a move to underestimate the impact of climate change for economic interests. He said that the "triumph of science, which is the triumph of truth, is absolutely crucial to moderate any negative impulses."

He added that representatives from around the world who are taking part in COP31 need to be aware of how serious the situation is.

The conference is scheduled to kick off on Monday in Turkey.