Scientists from more than 60 countries warned that in the Arctic, 2007 and 2008 were the years with the two lowest sea ice levels in the three decades since satellite records began. Furthermore, it looks like Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets are also losing mass, and at levels more accelerated than previously estimated.

 

The researchers have also confirmed that there is an above-average warming in the Southern Ocean, and that ocean circulation might soon suffer major changes.

 

All these changes appear to be influencing the rich life in the Antarctic Ocean, as species begin migrating poleward in response to global warming, the study finds. Overall, Antarctica seems to be going through some changes that older predictions did not foresee.

 

The International Polar Year (…) comes at a crossroads for the planet’s future. The new evidence resulting from polar research will strengthen the scientific basis on which we build future actions, Michael Jarraud, Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organization, said in a statement.

 

He also added that the work started by the International Polar Year must continue, and that internationally coordinated action is needed in the next decades.

 

There are a lot of challenges ahead, but with dedicated research and education, perhaps it is not too late to act for the good of the planet. A major International Polar Year conference has been scheduled to take place in Oslo next year.