Arctic has taken a turn for the warmer

Scientists see pervasive and permanent changes in the last five years

The northern polar region’s climate has materially changed over the past five years, a team of 121 scientists from 14 nations concludes in a December 1 Arctic report card. Compared with 2006 and earlier, they note, the Arctic is warmer and less icy.

UNFROZEN NORTH Melt ponds form on the frozen surface of the Chukchi Sea northwest of Alaska in July 2010.