The Arctic had the warmest year in the history of measurements, with temperatures 1.6°C higher than the 1991-2020 average.

According to a report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Arctic experienced the warmest year on record, with temperatures 1.6°C higher than the average between 1991 and 2020. This rapid warming is considered alarming by researchers and may be unprecedented in the last thousands of years. The year included the warmest autumn, the second warmest winter, and the third warmest summer recorded.

A concerning aspect is the melting of the ice sheet, which has reached the lowest surface level measured in over four decades. This affects local ecosystems, including polar bears and seals, which depend on ice to survive. Additionally, the melting of the ice sheet contributes to climate change by exposing the ocean, which absorbs more solar energy.

Furthermore, precipitation has reached a new record, and the greening of the tundra has been significant, leading to the release of CO2 from permafrost. These changes have negative effects on aquatic biodiversity, with over 200 watercourses affected by water quality degradation.