Arctic Sea Ice Slowdown Is Over, PNAS Study Finds After Record 5.8% Winter Decline

A PNAS study published July 2026 concludes that the 2005–2024 slowdown in Arctic sea ice loss was "temporary rather than sustained." The Arctic lost 5.8% of sea ice between 2024 and 2025 — the largest wintertime year-to-year drop ever recorded. Lead author Dr. Duo Chan of the University of Southampton notes low winter extents in 2025 and 2026 confirm the loss continues.