Annual sea ice minimum in the Arctic
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 16 September 2021
On 12 September 2021, Arctic sea ice reached its annual minimum of 4.81 million km²—12th lowest on record. Though above 2012’s record low, experts stress it’s not a recovery, as sea ice extent continues its long-term decline.
Keywords: sea ice extent, sea ice thickness, Arctic Ocean, atmospheric pressure, Beaufort Sea, Wandel Sea
Antarctic marine ecosystems need local and global protection
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 4 November 2021
The 2021 Marine Ecosystem Assessment for the Southern Ocean warns of major climate-driven changes. Global emissions cuts and local conservation are urgently needed to protect Antarctica’s ecosystems and their global benefits.
Keywords: greenhouse gas emissions, ICED, SCAR, SOOS, ecosystem services, Weddell seal, Julian Gutt
2021 CO2 emissions at nearly 2019 level
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 4 November 2021
Global CO₂ emissions are rebounding to pre-pandemic levels, with 2021 emissions estimated at 36.4 billion tons. Ocean and land sinks absorb over half, but their effectiveness is weakening. Urgent action is needed to meet climate targets.
Keywords: net-zero, carbon budget, Judith Hauck, fossil fuels, pandemic impact, sustainability, global warming targets
