The satellite image, acquired on February 15, 2025 by the satellite Copernicus Sentinel-3shows the dramatic Impact of global warming on the Bering Seaoff the Alaska coast. The photo, which highlights one unprecedented reduction in sea iceis a cry of alarm on the ongoing climatic crisis.
According to the data of the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) of the United States, the combined extension of the Arctic and Antarctic sea ice It dropped to 15.76 million square kilometers in February 2025exceeding the previous negative record of 2023.
The satellite images of the Copernicus Sentinel-3 of the European Union program clearly show the severity of the situation. In the sea of Bering, off the Alaska coast, the reduction of sea ice is evident, confirming a trend that worries scientists for years. THE’Arcticin fact, has undergone a constant decline in sea ice in recent decades, with a decrease in extension at the end of the summer by an average of 7 million sq km in the 80s to 4.5 million sq km in the year 2010.
But the most alarming novelty concerns theAntarctica. Until the middle of the decade of 2010, the Antarctic sea ice had shown a remarkable resilience, challenging the forecasts of scientists. However, in recent years, there has been a series of very reduced seaside extensions, with 2025 that almost equaled the historical minimum of 2023. “Every year, each figure we collect suggests that it is not a temporary change, but of something more permanent, like the one we have seen in the Arctic,” he told the BBC Walter MeierSenior researcher at the NSIDC.
The causes of this decline are manifold. THE’Increase in global temperaturescaused by climate change, led to a heating of both air and oceans. This contributed to Melt sea iceespecially in Antarctica, where the ice is thinner and more mobile. In addition, more intense winds shattered the ice, further accelerating its reduction.
The consequences of this loss of sea ice are serious. Sea ice acts as a giant mirror, reflecting sunlight in space and helping to keep the planet fresh. Its reduction leads to an increase in theheat absorption by the oceanswith a consequent increase in global temperatures. This phenomenon, known as “positive feedback”, further accelerates the heating of the planet.
The reduction of sea ice also has a devastating impact on local wildlife. Polar bears, penguins and other species depend on marine ice for their survival. The loss of their habitat puts their existence at risk.
In addition, sea ice plays a crucial role in the ocean circulationinfluencing the climate globally. Its reduction could alter ocean currents, with unpredictable consequences for the climate of different world regions.
The scientific community is in agreement: the loss of sea ice is an alarming signal of the ongoing climate change.
