Barents Sea Bound by Low Arctic Sea Ice – NASA Science

Dark open water south of thin, broken sea ice near Franz Josef Land, with thin clouds covering part of the area.

At the surface of the planet, sea ice across Arctic waters grows and shrinks seasonally, usually reaching its annual maximum in March. In 2026, this peak occurred on March 15, when the measurement reached 14.29 million square kilometers, which is the lowest level observed since satellite monitoring began in 1979. One of the important areas … Read more

China’s massive push to reduce air pollution has had an unexpected effect on the Arctic

A smoky city on the banks of many waters is seen under sunlit clouds.

When you make a purchase through our article links, Future and its affiliate partners may receive a commission. A new study has revealed that China’s actions to clean up air pollution have affected other parts of the world. . | Credit: Getty Images/Stringer China’s drastic reduction in air pollution may have had unexpected benefits in … Read more

‘Frightening’ winter sees Arctic sea ice hit record low for second year – Carbon Brief

Daily Arctic sea ice extent for 2026 and 2025, with decadal average and 2012 low compared, based on data from NSIDC. Chart by Carbon Brief

Arctic sea ice has reached its peak this winter, and is at its lowest point in the satellite record going back nearly half a century. Interim data from the US National Snow and Ice Center (NSIDC) show that sea ice extent peaked at 14.29 square kilometers (km2) on March 15. This is slightly less than … Read more