Global Sea Ice Reaches Record Low in February

The combined Arctic and Antarctic ice coverage hit its smallest extent since satellite records began in 1979, driven by rising global temperatures.

The total global sea ice extent fell to 16.04 million square kilometers on February 7, the lowest level ever recorded, according to the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Arctic sea ice was 8% below the February average, while Antarctic sea ice was 26% below its usual extent for the month.
February 2025 was the third warmest February globally since records began, with temperatures 1.59°C higher than the pre-industrial average.
The warming trend has caused significant regional temperature anomalies, including areas near the North Pole being up to 11°C warmer than the 1991–2020 average.
Scientists warn that reduced sea ice accelerates global warming as darker ocean surfaces absorb more sunlight, impacting ecosystems, weather patterns, and human communities.