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Why it Matters
In losing the cryosphere (the frozen parts of the Earth's surface), we lose the Arctic sea ice, an essential planetary climate operating system that connects with all of the other components of the Earth’s climate systems.
1988
Atmospheric CO2
350
parts per million (ppm)
Average September
sea ice extent
7.4
million km2
2020
Atmospheric CO2
414
parts per million (ppm)
Average September
sea ice extent
3.9
million km2
2021
Atmospheric CO2
421
parts per million (ppm)
Average September
sea ice extent
4.9
million km2
Data sources: CO2 measurements from NOAA/GML & Scripps Institution of Oceanography at Mauna Loa Observatory
Avg. Sept. Sea Ice Extent from NSIDC Sea Ice Index, Version 3
Arctic sea ice extent hovered at its second lowest in 2020 since NASA began satellite tracking in 1979.
The rapid climate changes in the Arctic are affecting not only the Indigenous Peoples living there but also Indigenous People in far-flung places. Marshall Islanders and many inhabitants of Small Island States will lose their home.
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