The Arctic region could experience its first ice-free summer as early as 2027, according to research published in the journal Nature Communications.
Using computer models and simulations, the research found that in more pessimistic outcomes, full melting of Arctic sea ice could be seen in about three to four years.
Professor of climatology at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, Céline Heuzé, explained that the main cause of the melting is due to climate change.
Warming ocean currents help thin the ice sheet, causing the ice located at the bottom to melt over the years.
“We found that all of these first ice-free days presented by the models occur during a rapid ice loss event and are associated with strong winter and spring warming,” highlights Heuzé in the report.
The simulations predicted that the region could have its first ice-free day in nine to 20 years from 2023, regardless of any change in greenhouse gas emissions, and that reducing emissions would be one way to slow the process.
The consequence of the loss of sea ice generates changes in the global climate and an increase in the frequency of extreme weather events, especially in the northern hemisphere.
“This is not something that will only happen in the future. This is already happening, as sea ice is already disappearing”, warns the professor.
