Effects of persistent Arctic warming continue to mount: US study

"Continued warming of the Arctic atmosphere and ocean are driving broad change in the environmental system in predicted and, also, unexpected ways."

Global warming is heating the Arctic at a record pace and is driving "broad changes" in the Earth's environment, warned an annual US-issued scientific study on the polar region Tuesday.

"The year 2018 was the second warmest year on record in the Arctic" since records began in 1900, said the peer-reviewed study, compiled by 81 scientists in 12 nations and issued by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

"The collective results reported in the 2018 Arctic Report Card show that the effects of persistent Arctic warming continue to mount," it added.

"Continued warming of the Arctic atmosphere and ocean are driving broad change in the environmental system in predicted and, also, unexpected ways." 

(With inputs from agencies.)