The extent of sea ice has been trending down since records began

Arctic sea ice extent, km2, millions

20

1979-1990

average

All other years

1979-2023

15

10

2024

5

2012 Lowest ice extent

0

Jan

Mar

May

Jul

Sep

Nov

20

1979-1990

average

15

All other years

1979-2023

10

2024

5

2012 Lowest ice extent

0

Jan

Mar

May

Jul

Sep

Nov

Guardian graphic. Source: Noaa, National Snow and Ice Data Centre