Humans cause up to 70% of sea ice loss

by Tim Radford

Climate News Network  | 17 March, 2017

Sea ice in the Arctic has declined dramatically in the last 50 years. Image: Patrick Kelley/US Coast Guard via Flickr

London, March 17, 2017 – Scientists have calculated that at least 30% and perhaps one half of the decline in Arctic summer sea ice could be attributed to natural causes – changes of ocean and atmospheric circulation that happen according to some long-term cycle.

And that means humans can be held responsible for at least 50% and up to 70% of a pattern of decline that could devastate Arctic ecology, and accelerate climate change in the temperate and tropical zones.