50% Chance North Pole Will Be Ice-Free This Summer

As many as two-thirds of the world's polar bears may disappear within the next 50 years, as Arctic sea ice melts due to global warming.

Photo: Ansgar Walk / Wikimedia Commons

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According to media reports, climate scientists at the National Snow and Ice Data Center in Boulder, Colorado have been placing informal bets on the future of the North Pole. It seems the odds have been set at 50/50 for Santa and his elves to have to start treading water in September, as global warming continues to melt Arctic ice.

Already last September, the fabled Northwest Passage was opened up in Arctic ice.

As TDG reported previously, 2007 had seen a record of melted Arctic ice, which has been down 10% for the decade. Projections have been rolling out for some time for further declines, so this latest news surprises few who have been following the trends.

The news gives further reason why the world's people need to come together to get a handle on greenhouse gases, and work toward a safe and secure future, instead of recklessly carrying on with business as usual.

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