According to a report by the US climate agency NOAA, the Arctic experienced its warmest summer this year since measurements began.
NOAA scientists said summer land temperatures were the highest ever recorded in the region around the North Pole. This is a sign of “accelerating climate change”.
The highest point of the ice sheet in Greenland has melted for the fifth time in the past 34 years in which data was collected, and the extent of sea ice has continued to decline. Overall, it was the sixth warmest year in the Arctic since measurements began, it said.
The report, which appeared in this form for the 18th time, was prepared by 82 scientists from 13 countries.
