(26 September 2019) – The Arctic has lost around 12.8% of its surface area every decade between 1979 and 2018, which, although “unprecedented for at least 1,000 years”, could shrink even more if no action is taken. This is according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
During the IPCC’s 51st session, it was estimated that Greenland lost an average of 278 billion tonnes of ice each year between 2006 and 2015, twice as much as in 1997-2006.
As for Antarctica, the rate is currently lower (155 billion tonnes of ice per year), but the melting rate has also tripled. This is according to the summary for decision-makers of the Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere.
The Arctic is the region of the world where the effects of global warming are most pronounced. Between 1979 and 2018, sea ice loss has increased, regardless of the month of the year. (EurActiv / Journal de l’environnement)