NOAA's Arctic Report Card website tracks recent changes throughout the Arctic environment.

In 2010, the Arctic-wide warming seen in recent years is continuing, impacting every aspect of the Arctic environment, and beyond.  
Sea ice extent remains at record lows,

which is opening northern shipping routes.

Some wildlife populations are increasing, such as some sea birds and whales,

while many others are in decline,

or negatively impacted.

With more warmth, permafrost is melting in many places.

Northern forest fires are occurring more frequently,

duration of snow cover is decreasing,

and  many glaciers are losing mass.

Impacts of environmental changes on commercial fisheries are complex, depending on the species and location.

What does all this mean?

The Arctic is continuing to move into a new and different climate state.

Loss of Greenland glacial ice impacts sea level.

Arctic sea ice coverage is shrinking

and the ice remaining is much thinner than it was in the past.

Ice free areas of the ocean are warmed by the sun during the summer,

releasing that heat to the atmosphere in autumn.

This weakens the winds that normally circle the North Pole, allowing outbreaks of cold Arctic air to the south.

Will this trend continue?

As the Arctic becomes warmer, it is increasingly difficult to rebuild the thick multi-year sea ice cover seen in previous decades.

Therefore, recent conditions seen throughout the Arctic environment are likely to persist into the future.

What is the scientific basis for conclusions in the Arctic Report Card?

It was developed by a team of 69 international scientists,

and based on 176 published scientific references,

and collaboratively supported by the international Arctic Council.

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