Arctic Ice

"Global warming affects polar regions the most. In 1980, the late summer Arctic sea ice covered 7,000,000 square kilometers. By 2002, it dropped to 6,000,000. In 2008, it was 4,700,000. As bright, reflective ice disappears the darker surface of the sea absorbs more heat from the sun. Arctic summer ice could disappear entirely by the end of this century. Much of the ecosystem will be at greater risk. Tiny creatures that depend on sea ice are vulnerable. And larger ones: ringed seals, polar bears, narwhals, and bowhead whales. In 2009, average global ocean surface temperatures were the warmest ever recorded."

WHAT YOU CAN DO

• "Reduce, reuse, recycle. Go to NRDC's 'How You Can Stop Global Warming'."

FOR MORE INFORMATION

• on reducing emissions, visit NRDC or WWF.