The area of sea ice on Earth has reached a record low.

As of February 16, the combined area of sea ice in the Arctic and Antarctic reached 15.86 million square kilometers. The previous minimum for this date was recorded two years ago at 16.08 million square kilometers.

Experts consulted by the BBC believe that the reduction of ice cover is due to rising air and water temperatures. Additionally, storms contribute to its deterioration, with their impact intensifying as the ice thins.

The decrease in sea ice at the poles affects wildlife: penguins depend on it for breeding, while polar bears rely on it for hunting. Furthermore, the melting of ice that reflects sunlight contributes to further warming of the planet—and an increase in related catastrophes.

According to the European Climate Centre Copernicus, 2024 has become the hottest year in 175 years of observations. The Earth is now 0.72°C warmer than the average from 1991-2020, and 1.6°C warmer than during the pre-industrial period. Thus, last year's warming has, for the first time, exceeded the critical threshold of 1.5°C, as deemed by scientists.

This year continues to break records. January has already become the warmest in recorded history, surpassing pre-industrial temperatures by 1.75°C.