Climate Change Linked to Historic Antarctic Sea Ice Loss, Study Finds

London, 20 May (ONA) --- A new study by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has linked record-low levels of Antarctic sea ice in 2023 to climate change.

Researchers found that such an extreme event would be expected once in 2,000 years without climate change, but its likelihood increases fourfold due to climate effects.

By analyzing 18 climate models, the BAS team determined that the significant ice loss witnessed in 2023 was a "very rare event."

They concluded that without climate change, such a loss would occur once every 2,000 years. However, current climate conditions suggest this could now happen once every 500 years.

The study also indicates that the repercussions of this ice loss could be long-lasting.

Recovery may take over 20 years, potentially impacting local wildlife such as penguins and whales, and influencing global weather patterns.

Additionally, a University of Leeds study revealed that nearly half of Antarctica’s ice shelves have diminished in the past 25 years, primarily on the western side, releasing 7.5 trillion tonnes of meltwater into the oceans.

Ice shelves play a crucial role in slowing glacier ice flow into the sea; their reduction accelerates ice loss.

These findings underscore the profound impact of climate change on Antarctic ice and the broader environmental consequences.

--- Ends/Thuraiya/KH