"Scientists have been left baffled after discovering that the melting of sea ice in the Arctic is actually slowing down. Despite rising temperatures, an analysis by experts from the University of Exeter has revealed that the Arctic has been melting at a slower rate for the past 20 years. From 1979 to 2024, ice was lost from the Arctic at a rate of 2.9 million cubic kilometres of ice per decade."
"They believe the slowdown is only temporary and will probably only continue for five to 10 years. When it ends, it's likely to be followed by 'faster-than-average' sea ice decline, the experts warned. Looking ahead, the researchers predict there's a one in two chance that this slowdown will continue for a further five years, and a one in four chance it will last through until 2035."
Scientists found Arctic summer sea-ice loss has slowed over the past 20 years despite rising temperatures. Satellite measurements from 1979 to 2024 indicate ice loss averaged 2.9 million cubic kilometres per decade overall, but fell to 0.4 million cubic kilometres per decade from 2010 to 2024. Analysis focused on September minima and showed declines of about 0.29–0.35 million square kilometres per decade from 2005–2024, versus 0.78–0.79 million per decade from 1979–2024, a 55–63% reduction. The recent 20-year rate is the slowest since 1979. Projections give a 50% chance the slowdown lasts five more years and a 25% chance through 2035, and the slowdown is expected to be temporary and likely followed by faster-than-average decline.
Read at Mail Online
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