According to the World Meteorological Organization’s annual statement on the State of the Global Climate, 2016 made history, with a record global temperature, exceptionally low sea ice, and unabated sea level rise and ocean heat. Each of the 16 years since 2001 has been at least 0.4 °C above the long-term average for the 1961-1990 base period. The organisation says that extreme weather and climate conditions have continued into 2017.

NASA: sea ice extent sinks to record lows at both poles

Arctic sea ice appears to have reached a record low wintertime maximum extent on March 7, according to scientists at NASA and the NASA-supported National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) in Boulder, Colorado. And on the opposite side of the planet, on March 3 sea ice around Antarctica hit its lowest extent ever recorded by satellites at the end of summer in the Southern Hemisphere, a surprising turn of events after decades of moderate sea ice expansion. Click here

MPs to examine UK’s role in Arctic sustainability

The House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee has launched a new inquiry into the UK’s role in Arctic sustainability.

In light of recent and ongoing political and environmental change, the Committee will examine the extent to which the government’s approach to the Arctic is fit for purpose including how its promotion of scientific research and business best practise increases its influence among Arctic States and reduces environmental harm in the region.

• Inquiry: UK’s role in Arctic sustainability
• Environmental Audit Committee

Mary Creagh, Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee said:

“The Arctic is one of the fastest changing environments on the planet, the consequences of which could impact the climate, sea level, weather and plants and animal species here in the UK. The UK has tried to influence Arctic States through our world class-reputation for Arctic science and promoting responsible commercial development. Our inquiry will be taking an in depth look at whether the Government is doing enough to protect this fragile environment.”