In 2006, the first Arctic Report Card revealed troubling signs about the Arctic’s health. Fast forward to today, and the latest report shows things have worsened significantly.
The past decade has been the hottest in the Arctic’s recorded history. Warm waters are pushing into the central Arctic Ocean, speeding up the loss of sea ice. With less ice to reflect sunlight, the area is heating up even more. Thawing permafrost is also releasing carbon dioxide, adding to global warming.
Compiled by around 100 scientists, the 2025 report highlights deep changes that not only affect the Arctic but the entire planet. Experts describe the Arctic as the Earth’s “air conditioner.” Twila Moon, an expert from the National Snow and Ice Data Center, stresses that we’re in a different situation than we were two decades ago.
Here’s a look at some key findings:
Air:
- From October 2024 to September 2025, Arctic surface air temperatures reached the highest levels in 125 years.
- Precipitation has also increased, leading to more extreme weather events.
Water:
- Summer sea surface temperatures hit record highs, with some areas 7°C (12°F) above average.
- The maximum sea ice coverage in March was the lowest in nearly five decades, and summer coverage is 28% smaller compared to 20 years ago.
- The oldest, thickest ice has declined by over 95% since the 1980s.
Land:
- Spring snowmelt has hastened, leading to reduced snow cover by June, which is half of what it was in the 1960s.
- Thawing permafrost is releasing iron, turning over 200 rivers in Alaska orange.
- Although the Greenland Ice Sheet lost less mass recently, it continues to shrink annually.
The report arrives during a challenging time for climate science funding in the U.S., yet there’s growing recognition that climate issues directly impact daily life. Moon believes understanding this connection can lead to more support for climate research.
The Arctic’s changes remind us how interconnected our world is. As we witness these shifts, awareness and action are more important than ever.
For more details on Arctic conditions, visit NOAA’s Arctic Report Card for in-depth findings and insights.
