More than 800,000 square kilometers of the Arctic were impacted by human activities in 2013, based on an analysis of satellite data regarding nighttime artificial illumination. On average, about 85% of these light-polluted areas stem from industrial endeavors rather than urban expansion.
The Arctic faces severe threats from climate change, with average temperatures increasing by approximately 3°C since 1979 — nearly four times the global average rate. This region surrounding the North Pole hosts some of the planet’s most delicate ecosystems and has seen minimal human disturbance for many years. However, rising temperatures have made Arctic land more accessible, promoting both industrial and urban growth. Recognizing where human activities occur and their nature is crucial for promoting sustainable development within the region, benefiting both its inhabitants and the environment. Up to now, there has been an absence of thorough assessments concerning this area of the world.
Over 5% of the Arctic exhibits signs of human influence
An international research team led by Gabriela Schaepman-Strub from the Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies at the University of Zurich (UZH) has made significant progress in this area. Collaborating with experts from NASA and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the UZH researchers utilized satellite data on nighttime lights to identify hotspots and monitor the changes in human activity across the Arctic from 1992 to 2013. “Over 800,000 km2 were impacted by light pollution, representing 5.1% of the analyzed 16.4 million km2, and showing a yearly growth of 4.8%,” shares Schaepman-Strub. Their standardized methodology allowed researchers to evaluate human industrial activity across the Arctic without relying on economic data.
The European Arctic and regions in Alaska, USA, and Russia where oil and gas are extracted were identified as the main hotspots for human activity, with nearly a third of these areas illuminated. In contrast, much of the Canadian Arctic remained dark at night. “We discovered that only 15% of the illuminated regions in the Arctic included human settlements, indicating that the majority of artificial light stems from industrial activities rather than urban growth. This significant source of light pollution continues to expand both in area and intensity each year,” says Cengiz Akandil, the lead author and a doctoral student in Schaepman-Strub’s team.
Impact on land ecosystems and regional sustainability
The researchers point out that this information is vital for future investigations into how industrial development impacts Arctic ecosystems. “In the delicate landscapes of permafrost and tundra ecosystems, even minor disturbances caused by human foot traffic and vehicle tracks can result in long-lasting environmental consequences that reach far beyond what satellites can detect,” remarks Akandil.
The detrimental effects of industrialization and light pollution are profoundly concerning for Arctic biodiversity. For instance, artificial nighttime lights hinder Arctic reindeer from adjusting their vision to the extreme blue hues of winter twilight, which are essential for locating food and evading predators. Additionally, it disrupts the timing of leaf coloration and the budding of leaves, critical for Arctic species with short growing seasons. Moreover, human endeavors promote the spread of invasive species in the region, while oil and gas extraction often leads to environmental contamination, a risk also posed by the expanding mining sector.
Tracking industrial activities is essential for sustainable growth
The rapid climate changes occurring in the Arctic compel local communities to swiftly adapt, with industrial development possibly accelerating the demand for such adaptations and imposing additional costs on society and the environment. Researchers predict that the direct impacts of human activities on Arctic ecosystems could surpass or worsen the challenges posed by climate change in the upcoming decades. If the rate of industrial growth witnessed between 1940 and 1990 continues, it is estimated that 50-80% of the Arctic could experience critical levels of human-induced disturbance by 2050.
“Our analyses highlighting the spatial differences and hotspots of industrial activity are essential for overseeing and planning development in the Arctic. This newfound information could assist Indigenous Peoples, governments, and stakeholders in making decisions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals in the Arctic,” concludes Gabriela Schaepman-Strub.
