Vanishing Sea Ice at The Poles: Crisis For The Entire Planet

Extremely low sea ice levels in the Arctic and Antarctica signal a "new normal" that may accelerate global warming and disrupt ocean currents, on top of the consequences for people and wildlife that rely on the ice, according to New Scientist Magazine.

February this year saw global sea ice extent hit a record low as sluggish ice growth during the Arctic winter coincided with the fourth consecutive year of extremely low sea ice cover during the Antarctic summer.

The decline will have global consequences ranging from further disruption to Earth’s energy balance and ocean currents to a boost in carbon dioxide released by ice-free waters. Sea ice in both the Arctic and Antarctica are now far below historical average levels.

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