Scientists have issued a stark warning as global sea ice levels in both the Arctic and Antarctic have plunged to record lows, driven by rising air and ocean temperatures linked to climate change.
Unprecedented Decline in Sea Ice Coverage
On February 13, 2025, the combined sea ice extent of the Arctic and Antarctic was measured at 15.76 million sq km (6.08 million sq miles), according to the U.S. National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC). This figure surpassed the previous record low of 15.93 million sq km (6.15 million sq miles) set in early 2023.
- Antarctic sea ice: 2.12 million sq km (819,308 sq miles)
- Arctic sea ice: 13.64 million sq km (5.26 million sq miles)
This downward trend continued through February 15, with Antarctic sea ice remaining well below the 1981-2010 average and Arctic sea ice at its smallest recorded extent for this time of year.
Antarctic Sea Ice: A ‘New Regime’ of Low Extents
Senior NSIDC researcher Walter Meier stated that the Antarctic has now entered a phase of persistently lower sea ice coverage. As of February 15, 2025, the Antarctic had 2.07 million sq km (801,548 sq miles) of sea ice, over 200,000 sq miles below the historical February average (1981-2010).
While it is slightly above the record-breaking low from February 15, 2023 (1.875 million sq km or 723,941 sq miles), the long-term downward trend remains concerning.
Arctic Sea Ice at Record Low for February
The Arctic typically reaches its maximum ice extent in early March, but as of February 15, 2025, it was at its smallest recorded extent for this time of year:
- 5.31 million sq miles (13.763 million sq km)
- Well below the 1981-2010 February average of 5.92 million sq miles (15.33 million sq km)
The decline is linked to abnormally warm ocean waters, including in Canada’s Hudson Bay, which failed to cool down sufficiently due to persistent high temperatures.
Climate Change Driving the Loss of Sea Ice
Scientists attribute these record lows to global warming, with rising air and ocean temperatures preventing ice from forming and accelerating melting. The NSIDC data shows that in January 2025, Arctic sea ice dipped to its second-lowest extent ever recorded for that month, losing an area equivalent to six times the size of Wales.
With both polar regions experiencing unprecedented ice loss, scientists warn of severe global consequences, including:
- Disruption of ecosystems and wildlife habitats
- Acceleration of global warming as less ice reflects sunlight
- Rising sea levels threatening coastal communities
The alarming trends highlight the urgent need for climate action to slow down ice loss and mitigate its devastating effects on the planet.
