CLIMATE CHANGE
The Arctic, often dubbed the planet’s “thermostat,” has seen a significant decline in sea ice. From 1980 to 2020, the extent of Arctic sea ice decreased by about 12.6% per decade. If current trends persist, summer Arctic ice might entirely vanish by 2040. This rapid ice melt not only impacts local species, like polar bears, but also holds broader implications for global weather patterns. Loss of reflective ice leads to increased absorption of sunlight by the ocean, further accelerating warming. The shrinking Arctic is a stark testament to the swiftly shifting climate, emphasizing the urgency of concerted global action.
