World Wildlife Fund

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WWF: Will President Obama Lead Our Country at the UN Climate Conference?

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Climate

Arctic Ice Update, March, 2008

Melting of Arctic sea ice endangers arctic ecosystems and wildlife such as the polar bear, and can further accelerate climate change.
© WWF-Canon / Wim VAN PASSEL

Scientists from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the National Snow and Ice Data Center announced record thinning of winter sea ice in the Arctic. Overall sea ice area is well below historical averages and "multi-year" ice - ice that has survived at least one melting season - is at its lowest point in recorded history. This is significant because new, "seasonal" ice, which now comprises more than 70 percent of Arctic sea ice, is much thinner and less likely to survive the summer season. Melting of Arctic sea ice endangers arctic ecosystems and wildlife, and can further accelerate climate change.

Protecting Arctic wildlife and habitats from the effects of climate change is a priority of WWF. Teams of scientists are on the ground, advancing conservation efforts throughout the Arctic. Materials below provide information on WWF's work to mitigate the impacts of climate change in the Arctic and advance adaptation efforts.

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