Scientists in Environment Canada’s Air Quality Research Division (AQRD) have provided the first scientific evidence that Arctic warming and sea ice retreat due to climate change have induced the re-release of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) trapped in Arctic sea water, ice, and snow. The research finds that a wide range of POPs have remobilized into the Arctic atmosphere over the past two decades as a result of climate change, confirming that Arctic warming could undermine global efforts to reduce environmental and human exposure to these toxic substances.

POPs can travel long distances on air currents, are persistent and toxic, and can impact generations of humans and wildlife.  International efforts have been made to eliminate and reduce the release of POPs through the Stockholm Convention on POPs and the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution POPs Protocol.  Canada is a signatory to both Conventions and AQRD scientists actively participate in the Conventions’ scientific activities, collaborating with their international peers and orienting their air pollution research efforts to support EC’s priorities and commitments under the Conventions.

The research paper was published online in Nature Climate Change and was highlighted in the journal’s weekly press release, garnering strong media interest internationally.

Source: Ma, J., H. Hung, C. Tian and R. Kallenborn. 2011. Revolatilization of persistent organic pollutants in the Arctic induced by climate change. Nature Climate Change 1:255–260.

Contact: Jianmin Ma and Hayley Hung, Air Quality Research Division