Arctic Watch

Facts About the Arctic

Climate

Declines in plant resilience threaten carbon storage in the Arctic

Rapid warming has impacted the northern ecosystem so significantly that scientists are concerned the region’s vegetation is losing the ability to recover from climate shocks, suggests a new study.

2024 Antarctic sea ice maximum extent finishes at second lowest

On September 19, Antarctic sea ice likely reached its annual maximum extent of 17.16 million square kilometers (6.63 million square miles). The 2024 maximum is the second lowest in the 46-year satellite record above only 2023.

Plants can grow in near-darkness, new research shows

Plants can grow with much less light than previously thought, according to a new study on tiny water-based organisms called microalgae that has been published in Nature Communications.

Marine life could blossom as Arctic sea ice melts away

Continuously hotter summers and less sea ice are remaking the Arctic. Some researchers wonder what opportunities might appear, for plants, animals — and global commerce.

Protecting the Arctic and human health: The hidden potential of black carbon

The Arctic is warming up to four times faster than the rest of the planet. However, it is not just a fragile and beautiful ecosystem.

The race to the bottom

With the waning of sunlight, the pace of sea ice loss in the Arctic is slowing, and the seasonal minimum is expected in mid-September

The waning of Arctic summer

Arctic sea ice continued the fast retreat that was observed in July through August 10, followed by a brief slowdown, only to pick up pace again.

Climate

The chill is gone

Arctic sea ice cover retreated rapidly in July 2024, pushing the daily ice extent at the end of the month to the third lowest in the 46-year satellite record.

The 2024 Arctic Sea Ice Minimum Extent

The 2024 Arctic sea ice minimum extent will almost certainly occur at some point over the next month.