Arctic sea ice hits a new record low maximum: WWF-Canada concerned about increased warming in Canada’s Arctic
Toronto, MARCH 19, 2015 – Winter sea ice in the Arctic has hit a new record low this year, according to information released today from the American-based National Snow and Ice Data Centre (NSIDC).
Sea ice cover is recorded throughout the year, generally reaching a maximum each winter, and a minimum at the end of every summer. NSIDC puts this year’s maximum extent at an average 14.41 million square kilometres, 1.6 per cent lower than the previous 2011 record, over six per cent lower than 1981-2010 long-term average.
“The Arctic is warming at twice the rate as the rest of the planet. The rapid loss of Arctic sea ice is linked to wet summers, severe winters and extreme weather events in the northern hemisphere,” says David Miller, President and CEO of WWF-Canada. “As Canadians, we cannot ignore what is happening in our backyard. Canada needs to be a climate leader and WWF-Canada will continue to push for the reduction of greenhouse gases, and the protection of critical habitat. If we don’t, we will end up with a climate that is unrecognizable, unpredictable, putting human beings and nature at risk.”
Summer sea ice is projected to mainly disappear by 2040. However, it is predicted that a fringe of ice will remain in majority in the eastern High Arctic Archipelago of Canada and, to a lesser extent, in northern Greenland.
Sea ice is a vital part of the complex Arctic ecosystem, from microscopic single-celled algae and zooplankton, to iconic species such as polar bears, caribou, beluga whales and narwhal. This loss of habitat has already been observed to have negative consequences on animal populations and the communities that depend on them.
“A rich web of life hinges on Arctic sea ice,” says Paul Crowley, VP Arctic for WWF Canada. “To protect the ice-dependent ecosystem, first and foremost we must reduce global greenhouse gases emissions. However, we also have a special responsibility, to ourselves and to the world, to carefully manage what will be the ‘Last Ice Area.’ The work of the Government of Canada with the Government of Nunavut and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association towards the creation of a national marine conservation area in Lancaster Sound at the eastern entrance to the Northwest Passage, is an important step in that direction.”
WWF recognizes the Last Ice Area is a vital refuge for ice-dependent species from the impacts of climate change.
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For further information contact
Megan Nesseth, Communications Specialist – Arctic, WWF-Canada
[email protected]
416-904-2482
About WWF
WWF-Canada is part of WWF (World Wildlife Fund), one of the world’s largest and most respected conservation organizations. With the active support of over 250,000 Canadians, WWF-Canada has close to 50 years of experience implementing science-based knowledge and research into on-the-ground projects. WWF is creating solutions to the most serious conservation challenges facing our planet, helping people and nature thrive. Visit wwf.ca for more information.
About WWF-Canada’s Arctic Program
WWF-Canada supports a balanced approach towards development and conservation agendas in the Canadian Arctic. Using scientific and tradition knowledge, we work with local communities to inform management of critical ecosystems, like the Last Ice Area and Beaufort Sea; help to improve data on important species, including the polar bear, narwhal, and Greenland shark, support research and working with regulators, Inuit organizations and industry to shape development in the Arctic, particularly oil and gas and shipping, and play an active role in international Arctic governance. Visit wwf.ca/conservation/arctic/ for more information.