Scientists have confirmed that global sea ice cover hit a record low in February, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). The combined area of ice around the north and south poles was 8% below average in the Arctic and 26% below average in Antarctica. This marks the lowest monthly level for both regions since satellite observations began in the late 1970s.
The cause of this extreme heat anomaly is attributed to climate change, which warms the planet. When temperatures rise above 20C, ice melts, and sunlight is absorbed by dark ocean surfaces, accelerating warming. A strong winter warming event in the Arctic prevented sea ice from growing normally, contributing to the record low extent.
This latest broken record comes as global temperatures reached their third-hottest February on record, with a heat anomaly of over 1.59C above preindustrial levels. The world has now experienced 19 months with temperatures more than 1.5C above average in the past two decades.
Climate scientists warn that rapid cuts to greenhouse gas emissions are necessary to save Arctic sea ice and limit long-term sea level rise. A weak form of La Niña weather pattern is expected, but it will not last long and is unlikely to reverse global warming trends.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/06/global-sea-ice-hit-all-time-minimum-in-february-scientists-say