Extent of global sea ice hits all-time low amid warming

Alarming effect of climate crisis

- Jayashree Nandi

NEW DELHI: Daily global sea ice coverage reached a new all-time low in early February, continuing a phase of record ocean and land temperatures that began early last year, the Copernicus Climate Change Service reported Thursday.

Sea ice levels remained below the previous record set in February 2023 throughout the entire month, according to the climate monitoring agency.

Arctic sea ice reached its lowest monthly extent for February, dropping 8% below average, marking the third consecutive month of record lows. Antarctic sea ice recorded its fourth-lowest monthly extent for February, measuring 26% below average.

"It is important to note that the new record low for the Arctic in February is not an all-time minimum," the report stated. Arctic sea ice is currently approaching its annual maximum extent, which typically occurs in March.

Experts said there would be significant implications for India. "Depleting sea ice will have a long-term impact on Indian monsoon. Arctic climate can especially have a strong bearing. Depleting sea ice can impact overlying atmospheric circulation and then affect Indian monsoon through mid-latitudes," said M Rajeevan, former secretary, ministry of earth sciences.