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In February 2025, global sea ice reached its lowest level recorded, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S).
Global sea ice cover hit an all-time low for February 2025, reaching a new daily minimum in early February and staying below the previous record set in 2023 for the entire month, according to the C3S.
The Arctic saw its lowest February extent ever, 8% below average, while Antarctic ice ranked as the fourth-lowest for the month, at 26% below average.
“February 2025 continues the streak of record or near-record temperatures,” said Samantha Burgess, Strategic Lead for Climate at ECMWF. “One consequence of a warmer world is melting sea ice, pushing global cover to an all-time minimum.”
The month was the third-warmest February globally, with an average surface air temperature of 13.36°C—1.59°C above preindustrial levels.
This decline threatens wildlife, weather patterns, and the planet’s climate balance. The shrinking ice, critical for polar ecosystems, threatens species like polar bears and penguins that depend on it for breeding and hunting.
Arctic ice is nearing its annual maximum, expected in March, while the Antarctic may have hit its second-lowest annual minimum by late February, pending confirmation.
Amid a warming trend, with the past 12 months 1.59°C above preindustrial levels, the loss of reflective ice amplifies global heating, raising urgent conservation concerns.
Find the full report from C3S here.
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