Slowdown in Arctic ice melt ends after largest winter decline on record
A new study reveals that the recent slowdown in Arctic sea ice melt was only temporary, with 2024-2025 seeing the largest year-to-year wintertime decline on record. Researchers warn that the long-term trend of rapid ice loss is accelerating again.
Why it matters
The end of this 'pause' in ice melt suggests that climate change impacts in the Arctic are intensifying faster than some previous models predicted.
Researchers found between 2024 and 2025 Arctic sea ice declined by 5.8%, the largest year-to-year wintertime drop ever recorded. Researchers found between 2024 and 2025 Arctic sea ice declined by 5.8%, the largest year-to-year wintertime drop ever recorded. Environment Slowdown in Arctic ice melt ends after largest winter decline on record Scientists recorded slower reduction over past 20 years, but study finds this was ‘temporary rather than sustained’
Prefer the Guardian on Google A previously recorded slowdown in Arctic sea ice decline has ended, according to a new study, with the largest year-to-year wintertime reduction ever recorded.
In a study published last summer, researchers found that melting sea ice in the Arctic had slowed down over the past 20 years, with no statistically significant decline in its extent recorded between 2005 and 2024.
Given the increase in global temperatures during this period, the finding was surprising.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in