Record low in global sea ice in winter 2025
In early February 2025, the world’s sea ice fell to a record low, with the combined Arctic and Antarctic sea ice extent totalling 15.76 million square kilometres. Arctic sea ice has consistently declined for decades, while Antarctic ice, once stable, has entered a new phase of decreasing extents.
This Copernicus Sentinel-3 image, acquired on 15 February 2025, shows the Bering Sea off of the coast of Alaska, USA. Since the beginning of 2025, a lower sea ice extent has been observed in the area compared to previous years.
Changes in Arctic and Antarctic sea ice have implications for local wildlife as well as the global climate. By delivering accurate and frequent data on these remote regions, the Copernicus Sentinel satellites provide essential information for mapping the extent of global sea ice, helping to inform strategies for addressing the consequences of climate change.
