Antarctic sea ice reached a record low this winter, covering only 16.96 million square kilometers. This decline poses a threat to wildlife like penguins.
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Summer ice extent
The summer Antarctic sea ice extent also hit an all-time low in February, surpassing the previous record from 2022.
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Effect
Less sea ice translates to less sunlight being reflected back to space, leading to warmer waters.
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Warm temperatures
Warmer ocean temperatures around Antarctica have already destabilized the Thwaites Glacier, which contributes to 4% of annual global sea level rise.
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Records
Scientists are concerned that climate change is finally impacting Antarctic sea ice, with three record-breaking low sea ice summers reported in the past seven years.
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Study
A recent study found that warming ocean temperatures, primarily caused by human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, have contributed to lower sea ice levels since 2016.