Global sea ice, which regulates Earth's climate, hits all-time low
What's the story
The world's sea ice hit a record low in February, the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) reported. This decline is due to pollutants that lead to global warming.
The total area of Arctic and Antarctic ice dipped below previous lows over the month.
"One of the consequences of a warmer world is melting sea ice," said C3S Deputy Director Samantha Burgess.
Sea ice plays a crucial role in regulating Earth's climate by reflecting sunlight and influencing ocean circulation.
Record lows
Arctic and Antarctic sea ice levels fall significantly
C3S's data shows that Arctic sea ice hit its lowest monthly level for February, 8% below average.
Antarctic sea ice, on the other hand, hit its fourth-lowest monthly level for this month, 26% below average.
The findings are based on satellite observations since the late 1970s and historical records from the mid-20th century.
Temperature spike
Polar heat anomaly triggers record low sea ice
An extreme heat anomaly at the North Pole in early February pushed temperatures over 20°C above average, well above the melting point for ice.
Scientists have called the event "particularly worrying" due to its implications for global temperatures.
Climate scientist Mika Rantanen explained that "the lack of sea ice means darker ocean surfaces and the ability of the Earth to absorb more sunlight, which accelerates warming."
Climate data
February 2025 was the 3rd warmest on record
C3S also noted that February 2025 was the third warmest month in its records, with global temperatures 1.59°C hotter than pre-industrial levels.
It was the 19th month out of the last 20 that was more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
The agency stressed that "the margins above 1.5C were small in several months, and could differ slightly in other datasets."
Climate trends
Record sea ice loss follows hottest year
The record low sea ice levels come after last year was confirmed as the hottest on record.
An analysis of C3S data found that two-thirds of Earth's surface saw record-breaking monthly heat in 2024.
The El Nino weather pattern in early 2024 helped push this rise, amplifying the impact of fossil fuel pollution that traps sunlight.