Antarctica’s west coast missing an area of sea ice the size of France as temperatures peak 20C above average (opens original article in a new tab)

Antarctica's west coast is experiencing a significant loss of sea ice, with an area the size of France missing in June, leading to concerns about penguins, marine life, and rising sea levels. Temperatures on the peninsula reached 15.4C, 20C above average, during a heatwave linked to the ice loss.

• Antarctica's west coast is missing an area of sea ice the size of France, with the Bellingshausen Sea almost completely ice free in June.
• Temperatures on the Antarctic peninsula peaked at 15.4C, 20C above average, during a heatwave linked to the lack of sea ice.
• The loss of sea ice threatens penguins, krill, and global sea levels, with experts warning of long-term impacts on ecosystems and ice shelf stability.