Arctic Ice

"Global warming affects polar regions the most. In 1980, the late summer Arctic sea ice covered 7,000,000 square kilometers. By 2002, it dropped to 6,000,000. In 2008, it was 4,700,000. As bright, reflective ice disappears the darker surface of the sea absorbs more heat from the sun. Arctic summer ice could disappear entirely by the end of this century. Much of the ecosystem will be at greater risk. Tiny creatures that depend on sea ice are vulnerable. And larger ones: ringed seals, polar bears, narwhals, and bowhead whales. In 2009, average global ocean surface temperatures were the warmest ever recorded."

- NASA, NOAA & IPCC

WHAT YOU CAN DO

• Reduce, reuse, and recycle to lower resource use and emissions driving Arctic warming.

• Walk, bike, take transit, or choose renewable energy whenever possible.

• Support emissions-reduction policies that slow global warming and protect sea ice.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

• NRDC

• WWF Arctic Programme

• Arctic Council – Conservation of Arctic Flora & Fauna (CAFF)

• National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC)