Observed and Projected Arctic Ice Cap Loss
Submitted by francob12 on
Source:
NASA; IPCC
Image:
- Since 1979 more than 20% of the Polar ice cap has melted away.
- Satellite observations show a very dramatic and worrying trend with a melting of the Arctic ice cap of about 30%. If this trend followed, all the ice capwould probably melt by the end of this decade.
- However, the IPCC forecasts a less dramatic scenario. Anyways, we can see from the graph how the trend goes proportionally together with the increase of the world’s temperatue.
- The melting of ice caps leads to a direct loss of the polar ecosystem with a consequent threat for the local species. An example seen over and over the news is the imminent extinction of the polar bear.
