Arctic sea ice melting faster than expected

The Arctic Ocean is warming much faster than predicted by UN climate models, thus accelerating the melting of sea ice, researchers say


DECREASE IN ARCTIC SEA ICE
Since satellite monitoring began in 1979

Minimum extent (Sep) 
2022 1979

September sea ice now shrinking at rate of 12.6% per decade, compared to average extent during 1981-2010

Loss of sea ice is approximately 78,500 sq km per year – area roughly equal in size to Czech Republic


RUSSIA
Arctic Circle
Alaska (U.S.)
North Pole
CANADA
Greenland (DEN)
NORWAY


ANNUAL SEPTEMBER SEA ICE EXTENT 
Million sq km

7 	1979: 6.9 million sq km
6 
5			2022: 4.67 million sq km
4 
3 		2012: 3.39 million sq km
1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020


Sources: Brussels Times, NASA, National Snow and Ice Data Centre
© GRAPHIC NEWS