The Arctic Ocean could experience its first-ever ice-free day as early as 2027, according to a new study published in the journal Nature Communications. The alarming prediction is based on the rapid melting of sea ice in the region, which has increased by over 12% each decade.
The study used 11 climate models and simulated various scenarios to predict when the Arctic Ocean might become ice-free. While the most pessimistic projections suggest it could happen as soon as three years from now, all simulations eventually predicted that an ice-free day would occur in the 2030s.
The rapid warming of the Arctic has significant consequences, including altering its defining characteristic as a sea-ice covered environment through greenhouse gas emissions. The loss of sea ice also affects global ocean and air temperatures, marine habitats, and ocean currents.
Climate scientists warn that this milestone marks a transformation from a “refrigerator” to a “radiator,” where the Arctic is warming four times faster than the rest of the world. This has led to dramatic changes in the region’s sea ice extent, which has declined by over 35% since 1979.
Reducing carbon dioxide emissions could prevent or delay the first ice-free day, according to co-author Alexandra Jahn. The study highlights the importance of taking action to mitigate climate change and preserve the Arctic environment.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/ominous-milestone-planet-arctic-oceans-134915126.html