We hear about Climate Change, such as rising global temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns. These changes in climate patterns affect the environment and, indirectly, our daily lives. One of the evident changes is the turning of more than 7500 lakes in West Greenland from crystal blue to brown. This change happened within months.

Greenland is in the polar zone, between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, and is the northernmost point of land in the world. The winter temperatures reach as low as -50°C and summer temperatures rarely exceed 10–15°C. Greenland is part of the Realm of Denmark but has its own Local Government.

The above-average temperatures in 2022 led to a greater number and stronger atmospheric rivers. Atmospheric rivers are like rivers in the sky that transport most of the water vapour outside of the tropics. Thus, Greenland received more precipitation in the form of rain and less snow than usual. The above-average temperature also caused permafrost. Permafrost is frozen ground that contains organic carbon, iron, magnesium, and other elements. With more rain, the carbon and the other elements percolated into lakes. The browning of the lakes reduced light penetration in the lakes. Lesser light penetration in the browned lakes, which were crystal blue a year back, suffered impacts on their biodiversity. Now, there is a significant flux of carbon dioxide from the lakes and the methane concentration is high too.

These are the places with ample natural beauty and moreover the lakes are integral part of the ecosystem. Lakes are the major source of fresh water to flora and fauna in many places. Hope the crystal blue serenity of the lakes in Greenland is restored.

(Views are personal based on the information available at https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/extreme-climatic-events-have-transformed-over-7500-lakes-in-greenland-from-carbon-sinks-to-sources, https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/climate-change/catastrophic-tipping-point-in-greenland-reached-as-crystal-blue-lakes-turn-brown-belch-out-carbon-dioxide, https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/climate-change-greenland-lakes-carbon-9802145/).