It’s raining in the Arctic. That’s … not good.

Ice floats in Slidre Fjord outside the Eureka Weather Station on Ellesmere Island, Nvt., on July 24, 2006. While the Arctic is better known for blankets of snow than rain clouds, new research suggests the number of rainy days in the region will roughly double by the end of this century. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

By Analysis by The Big Story podcast

Posted April 15, 2024 6:05 am.

Last Updated April 15, 2024 7:19 am.

In today’s The Big Story podcast, it can be easy, given our changing climate, not to worry much about events that aren’t extreme. It’s not flooding? No hurricanes or heat waves or wildfires? Just a little rain?! Maybe we can live with that, but in the Arctic, a lot of things can’t.

Ed Struzik wrote about the changing Arctic climate for The Tyee. He says the shifts could reshape the natural order of the region.

“In the future, the polar bear may no longer be the king of the Arctic, the king of the Arctic may be the killer whale,” says Struzik.

In recent years, snowfall has been replaced with rainfall more and more often. And sure, they’re just different types of moisture, but the impact is fascinating, and has a ton of implications for Canadians in the Arctic, and every other creature that calls the region home.

You can subscribe to The Big Story podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google and Spotify. You can also find it at thebigstorypodcast.ca.
Submit a Correction
Accessibility Feedback

Top Stories

Man facing charges after food bank truck stolen in Edmonton

Police say a man is facing charges after a food bank truck was stolen in Edmonton two days before Christmas. The large delivery truck, parked in a loading dock at the Edmonton Food...
Canada's chief actuary report at odds with Alberta's pension plan estimate

A report from Canada's chief actuary suggests Alberta would not be entitled to more than half of the Canada Pension Plan's assets that the province has argued it should get if it were to leave the investment fund.
A look inside The Hope Mission’s newest shelter in Edmonton

Two months since opening, the new Hope Mission shelter in west Edmonton has already seen near full capacity at times.   Monday, we got a one-on-one tour of this 24,000-square feet shelter. “We’ve...
Last minute shoppers head to West Edmonton Mall

Christmas eve shoppers flock to North America’s largest shopping centre, the West Edmonton Mall to do some last-minute Christmas shopping. “I’ll be very honest, with school I was very busy, my...

Top Stories

Man facing charges after food bank truck stolen in Edmonton

Police say a man is facing charges after a food bank truck was stolen in Edmonton two days before Christmas. The large delivery truck, parked in a loading dock at the Edmonton Food...
Canada's chief actuary report at odds with Alberta's pension plan estimate

A report from Canada's chief actuary suggests Alberta would not be entitled to more than half of the Canada Pension Plan's assets that the province has argued it should get if it were to leave the investment fund.
A look inside The Hope Mission’s newest shelter in Edmonton

Two months since opening, the new Hope Mission shelter in west Edmonton has already seen near full capacity at times.   Monday, we got a one-on-one tour of this 24,000-square feet shelter. “We’ve...
Last minute shoppers head to West Edmonton Mall

Christmas eve shoppers flock to North America’s largest shopping centre, the West Edmonton Mall to do some last-minute Christmas shopping. “I’ll be very honest, with school I was very busy, my...

Most Watched Today

1:45
Edmonton’s ‘Dalla Tavola Zenari’ restaurant shutting down

A 40 year family legacy is ending. As James Dunn explains, the Zenari family is not ready to call quits on the food scene just yet.
1:41
A look inside The Hope Mission’s newest shelter in Edmonton

Two months after it opened its doors, The Hope Mission has already been busy taking in Edmonton’s most vulnerable at a new shelter. James Dunn got inside and took a tour of what clients can expect.
2:25
Edmonton apartment complex where security guard was killed evacuated for safety reasons

The City of Edmonton shuts down a problem property just two days before Christmas. Elliott Knopp reports.
2:09
72 dogs seized from rural Alberta property renews calls for updated Animal Protection Act

After more than 70 dogs and puppies were rescued from a property in Brazeau County, the Alberta SPCA is highlighting concerns over a trend of large-scale surrenders. Elliott Knopp reports.

1:43
Trudeau releases 2024 Christmas message to Canadians

WATCH: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivers his annual Christmas message to Canadians.

19h ago

More Videos