Antarctic sea ice reaches second-lowest extent on record in 2024

Antarctic sea ice reached its second-lowest extent on record this year, covering 17.16 million square kilometers. This follows last year's record low of 16.96 million square kilometers, indicating a concerning trend linked to climate change. Scientists note that the decline in sea ice is dramatic, with recent years showing a pattern of reduced maximum ice coverage. This shift suggests that Antarctica, previously thought to be more resilient, is now experiencing significant ice loss. In contrast, Arctic sea ice also remains low, with a minimum extent of 4.28 million square kilometers recorded. The ongoing warming in both polar regions raises concerns about future impacts on global sea levels and climate.