Summer sea ice melt is sign of global warming

by Seth Borenstein and Dan Joling

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

"WASHINGTON— More ominous signs yesterday have scientists saying that a global warming “tipping point” in the Arctic seems to be happening before their eyes: Sea ice in the Arctic Ocean is at its second lowest level in about 30 years.

"The National Snow and Ice Data Center reported that sea ice in the Arctic now covers about 2.03 million square miles. The lowest point since satellite measurements began in 1979 was 1.65 million square miles last September.

"With about three weeks left in the Arctic summer, this year could wind up breaking that record, scientists said."