Arctic Sea Ice Hits Record Low Extent

mdsolar writes "Arctic sea ice has hit a record low extent for the period of satellite observation. Further, this record has been set in August when the minimum annual sea ice extent (and the prior record) has always come in September. Further still, the ice is still retreating as rapidly as it was in June and July when normally the decrease of sea ice extent slows in August. It is thus possible the the final minimum sea ice extend for 2012 will be seen in October rather than September as has always occurred in the past. More than one monitoring effort agree on the existence of a new record."

Just in time...

[monkeyhybrid]

... to get first post before it melts

Re:Cue the loonies

[Anonymous Coward]

JUST WHAT I'D EXPECT TO HEAR FROM A GLOBAL WARMING ALARMIST. I DON'T KNOW WHY EVERYONE IS YELLING ABOUT GLOBAL WARMING ALL THE TIME CUZ THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH GLOBAL WARMING BECAUSE THE WORLD HAS ACTUALLY BEEN COOLING SINCE 1998. SO-CALLED GLOBAL WARMING STOPPED IN 1998 AND IT WILL STOP AGAIN IN 2012, YOU'LL SEE.

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Filter error: Don't use so many caps. It's like YELLING. Filter error: Don't use so many caps. It's like YELLING. Filter error: Don't use so many caps. It's like YELLING. Filter error: Don't use so many caps. It's like YELLING. slashdot filter proves law of unintended consequences.

Re:Scary

[Anonymous Coward]

> > the human race isn't mature enough to react to it in time

> This is exactly why I stopped worrying about it.

You're right, maybe Peril Sensitive Sunglasses are the way to go.

Re:Cue the loonies

[multiben]

Hey screw you buddy! I went to the beach the other day and it was like totally freezing - more like global cooling I say. And what do scientists know anyway? They're always inside in labs and stuff. You can't test weather with a test tube - just look out your window, man! Anyway, I hope it does get warmer because then I can swim all year. The desert may be too hot, but I don't care because I don't live there.

All Right-Thinking People Know ...

[jabberwock]

... that if climate change were legitimate, the Earth would "shut down" and prevent any bad consequences.

Global Warming is Great!

[oracleofbargth]

Global warming is a Great thing!

We can provide for endless new jobs over the coming centuries as we have to rebuild literally thousands of drowning cities! We will open up new sea shipping lanes, as previously impassable straits are expanded from rising ocean levels! Previously frozen tundra will become prime temperate real estate!

Imagine the possibilities!

/sarcasm

Solution

[JustOK]

We should just turn our air conditioners around and turn them on full blast. That'll cool the outdoors down.

On the other hand...

[drooling-dog]

I know several people who never took any interest in any scientific matter whatsoever, and yet are now passionate in their critique of climate science and the vast global conspiracy that all scientists and smart people are obviously parties to. If this is what it takes to finally get them interested in science, maybe it's a good thing?

Re:Almost Meaningless

[ra1n85]

You're correct that satellites can only provide us with relatively recent data, but scientists have used arctic ice cores and rock samples dating back hundreds of thousands of years to show the rise in atmospheric CO2 levels. The data shows a drastic spike in atmospheric CO2 during the last century. http://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/ [nasa.gov] As for my personal opinion, I think we're toast. We're far too selfish, divided, and concerned with immediate gratification to change our course. I don't dwell on it too much, though. I find my time better spent in front of nice warm tire and plastic bottle fire.

Re:What's really scary about this...

[boligmic]

I'm 37 years old - the Arctic will NEVER be ice-free. Ever.

Why should we devastate our economy when NOTHING WILL EVER HAPPEN.

As always, I'm 100% correct and you are 100% wrong.

Re:Short term record

[Anonymous Coward]

This is a prime example of a record low over recorder history.

And over flute history, and clarinet history, and, indeed, all of woodwind history.