Arctic Largely Ice Free in Summer Within Ten Years?

Studies show that the Arctic Ocean could be ice-free within ten years. Reports appear that most of the region is only covered with 1-year ice rather than multiple year old ice. Scientist surveyed across the 280 miles and discovered it only consisted of thin and new ice in this past spring. The ice was only 6 feet deep when it is usually 9 feet deep. The thin ice can easily disappear with a low amount of solar energy. Wind currents and ocean currents can easily break up the ice and push it into warmer climates. The loss of the ice can cause loss of habitats and flooding of islands. The international conservation group WWF says that the ice could completely melt by the year 2030. A solution to this problem is to cut down on the ozone gases, which are depleting the ozone layer that causes global warming. Theses gases are not necessary to live a sustainable life.

This article surprised me about how soon global warming can take over this planet. 2030 is not long away and the world is going to need a lot of help to prevent this from happening. I did not like how the article did not give me all the effects of what the ice melt is doing to the ocean. I would like to know the true reasons why the ice is melting rather than basing it on my knowledge of global warming. I am excited to see what environmentalist have to say about this and what their solution is.

Lexie Redd

National Geographic