Voice of the Sea Ice: What's happening to Antarctic sea ice?

In February 2025, the world hit a new low for global sea ice extent. 

Arctic sea ice has been declining for several decades, but Antarctic sea ice had been holding steady, until recently.  

Now with four years straight of low summer sea ice extents, it appears that Earth’s warming has kicked Antarctic sea ice into a new regime.  

The salty, white blanket-cover of sea ice is key for regulating Earth’s climate. 

NIWA’s Dr Natalie Robinson explains what will happen if there is less of it.