Researchers raised concerns after discovering that sea ice in the Arctic and Antarctic is losing its cooling effect, according to an article published on earth.com. After analyzing satellite images spanning 43 years, scientists at the University of Michigan revealed the devastating effects of rising global temperatures.
What happens?
A group of scientists compared satellite measurements of cloud cover and solar radiation reflected by sea ice from 1980 to 2023.
They found that the cooling power of sea ice is no longer as strong as it once was. According to the results, Arctic sea ice has lost about a quarter of its cooling power since 1980.
Both rising temperatures and increasing precipitation have contributed to the decrease in the cooling power of the ice, according to the researchers. In addition to melting and shrinking, the sea ice is also becoming less reflective.
“The changes in Antarctic sea ice since 2016 amplify the warming feedback from sea ice loss by 40 percent,” study author Alisher Duspayev told earth.com. “If we do not account for this change in the radiative effect of Antarctic sea ice, we could miss a significant portion of the total global energy absorption.”
Why is the cooling power of sea ice important?
Sea ice plays a vital role in regulating Earth’s temperature. When the sun’s rays are reflected from the surface and back into space, it creates a cooling effect on the planet. Without this effect, temperatures will continue to rise.
This change also affects marine ecosystems. In the Arctic and Antarctic, sea ice is an important habitat for organisms such as polar bears and seals. As the ice melts and shrinks, organisms lose important shelter, potentially disrupting the entire food chain.
What is being done to combat sea ice decline?
To raise awareness of climate change and inspire action for change, scientists continue to study the importance of sea ice.
With evidence that sea ice is losing its cooling effect, researchers hope policymakers will make the necessary changes to counteract rising global temperatures.
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