Arctic Sea Ice Hits Record-Low Maximum Extent in 2025

The Arctic's maximum sea ice extent, recorded at 14.33 million square kilometers on March 22, is the smallest since satellite monitoring began over four decades ago, underscoring the rapid effects of climate change.

• The Arctic sea ice's maximum extent for 2025 was confirmed at 14.33 million square kilometers, breaking the previous record of 14.41 million square kilometers set in 2017.
• Scientists attribute the record low to human-induced climate change, which has caused long-term warming and reduced ice formation in the Arctic.
• This winter, Arctic temperatures were abnormally high, exceeding the 1991-2020 average by 11°C and accelerating ice loss.
• In February 2025, the cumulative sea ice extent across both poles reached a historic minimum, reflecting a global trend of declining ice coverage.
• The loss of sea ice has far-reaching consequences, including amplified global warming, disrupted ecosystems, and emerging geopolitical tensions over new Arctic shipping routes and resources.

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Le Figaro Ouest-France L'Humanité