Climate change has caused serious problems in the Norwegian settlement of Longyearbyen. Residents there have been advised not to drink tap water.
Globalinfo.az reports that this was disclosed by The Guardian.
The settlement, home to about 2,600 people, is one of the places on Earth where temperatures are rising the fastest. Warming there is occurring 5 to 7 times faster than the global average.
According to scientists, melting ice causes minerals in rocks to seep into water sources. The mineral pyrite found in local rocks creates acid when it comes into contact with water and oxygen, which allows manganese and other heavy metals to leach into the water.
Temporary measures have been taken to ensure residents have access to clean water, including a tank of purified water installed near a supermarket where people can fill their containers.
The effects of climate change are not limited to this. Glaciers in the area are melting rapidly, the risk of landslides is increasing, and building construction and the maintenance of existing infrastructure are becoming more difficult.
Experts say the situation in Longyearbyen could foreshadow what other Arctic settlements may face.
Aliyar Khalil
Globalinfo.az
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