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Antarctica may have crossed a tipping point that leads to rising seas

Scientists are beginning to understand the sudden loss of sea ice in
Antarctica – and there is growing evidence that it represents a permanent
shift with potentially catastrophic consequences.

Antarctica may have
passed a climate tipping point of no return, scientists are warning, with
mounting evidence that a sudden slump in sea ice formation since 2016 is
linked to human-induced ocean warming. For decades, Antarctic sea ice
levels remained relatively stable despite rising global temperatures. But
that shifted suddenly in 2016, when the extent of sea ice began to sharply
fall.

The consequences of this recent shift could be catastrophic.
Antarctica’s sea ice helps to stabilise glaciers and ice sheets on the
land. Without adequate sea ice formation, their melting rates will
accelerate, with the potential to cause extreme global sea level rise. It
is estimated that the Antarctic ice sheet contains enough water to raise
global sea levels by 58 metres.

 New Scientist 2nd Oct 2025 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2498509-antarctica-may-have-crossed-a-tipping-point-that-leads-to-rising-seas/

October 14, 2025 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | ANTARCTICA, climate change