The Facts
According to a study published by the National Snow and Ice Data Center (a research institute affiliated with the University of Colorado Boulder), on Sept. 13, 2023, Antarctica's sea ice level is over 1M sq km (386K sq mi) below the previous record low maximum set in 1986.
Through the first eight days of September, Antarctica's sea ice grew at a rate of 65K square km (40K sq mi) per day. However, growth slowed after Sept. 8, 2023.
The Spin
Narrative A
Global warming — which has caused record-warm oceans and brought significant changes in ocean currents and wind patterns — is to be blamed for Antarctica's vanishing sea ice. A drop in the continent's sea ice levels has repercussions beyond the polar regions. This loss has consequences for Earth's greater climate and global weather events.
Narrative B
This isn't the first time scientists have raised alarms regarding vanishing sea ice levels in Antarctica. The region witnessed similar lows in 2017 and 2022. Besides, as scientists are still trying to figure out the factors that led to this year's low sea ice, it would be too early to jump to conclusions. The El Niño weather phenomenon, currently developing in the Pacific, could be at fault.
