Global sea ice, encompassing both Arctic and Antarctic regions, reached an all-time minimum in February, maintaining record territory for the month. Scientists at Copernicus found Arctic sea ice was 8% below average, marking the third consecutive month of record lows. Antarctic sea ice, meanwhile, saw a 26% decline from normal levels.
The primary driver behind this loss is rising global air temperatures, exacerbating the cycle of melting sea ice and warming oceans. As sea ice melts, dark ocean water absorbs more heat, accelerating further melting. Globally, February 2025 was the third-warmest February on record, with temperatures 1.59°C (2.86°F) above the 2016 Paris Climate Agreement benchmark.
The consequences of this trend are far-reaching. Arctic sea ice is declining at a rate of 13% per decade, impacting not only isolated communities but also global marine life and weather patterns. Warmer oceans disrupt food webs, affecting marine species and larger fish alike. This, in turn, can lead to stronger heat waves, more intense storms, droughts, and extreme rainfall events.
The interconnectedness of the climate system means that changes in one region can have widespread effects. Addressing climate change is crucial for maintaining weather patterns, ensuring food security, and protecting communities worldwide.
Source: https://weather.com/news/climate/news/2025-03-06-global-sea-ice-hits-record-low-february-climate-change-2025