Antarctic sea ice has rapidly declined. The NSIDC reported the sea ice reached its minimum extent at 1.98 million square kilometers, tying with 2022 and 2024 for the second-lowest in the satellite record. This is due to global warming.
This loss impacts the Antarctic ecosystem. In 2023, emperor penguin colonies faced mass breeding failures.
The loss of sea ice also disrupts global climate patterns, potentially leading to more intense storms. The WMO has issued a "Red Alert" on climate change.
The WMO's report warns that current efforts are insufficient, bringing the world closer to exceeding the 1.5 degrees Celsius warming target.
This highlights the need for global efforts to mitigate climate change and prevent further destabilization. The acceleration of energy imbalance is also a concern.