Arctic summer ice cover shrinks - 23rd October 2020

This summer has seen the second largest reduction in Arctic ice since records began.

Scientists at the US National Snow and Ice Data Centre (NSIDC) at the University of Colorado Boulder have been studying Arctic ice for 42 years. They found that the surface of the ice measured only 3.74 million square kilometres on 15th September.

Satellite imagery shows that Arctic ice melts and refreezes over the year. However, it has also recorded a reduction in ice year after year. This demonstrates how global warming has been affecting ice levels.

Ice reflects solar radiation, which ensures ocean temperatures stay low. Without this, the world will experience dramatic changes to its climate.

Human activity is worsening climate change. There are heat waves in Siberia and massive forest fires in the Arctic. These events are accelerating the melting of the ice.

The Arctic region is heating 3 times faster than any other area. All the ice could be gone as early as 2035.