Earlier estimates of 90 years until an ice-free arctic ocean during summer may be optimistic...

New research indicates that once the extent of arctic ice at the end of summer is below 4.6 million square kilometres that a rapid decline in ice coverage during succeeding summers occurs. 

In 2007 the summer arctic ice measured 4.3 million km2 - during 2008, it was 4.7 million km2. 

According to new research by Muyin Wang of the Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean based at the University of Washington, and James Overland of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory the trend could result in potentially only 1 million square kilometres of summer ice cover during the summer in as little as 11 to 30 years.

Wang and Overland based their research on studying 23 models which were capable of predicting the extent of arctic ice.  When the scientists discarded simulations which did not match the actual measurements of ice during recent years, six models remained.  Statistically averaged together, the six models indicate a nearly ice-free arctic in 30 years - with some of the more pessimistic indicating that his could occur in as little over a decade.

While an ice-free arctic during summertime may be a boon to shipping and to those who are looking to exploit oil and mineral resources in the region, the consequences to the local and global environment will be catastrophic.

Chinese leader tells the developed world to share knowledge, turn the lights out and tighten belts...

Speaking at a two-day conference on climate change in Beijing, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has called for rich developed countries to share clean energy technologies with developing nations as well as changing "unsustainable lifestyles."

Go green - move to the city

A study in the October 2008 issue of the journal Environment and Urbanization claims that cities have an undeserved reputation for being a primary source of greenhouse gas emissions.  Some environmental agencies site cities as being responsible for over 75 percent of emissions.

Expected recovery of ozone layer is absent...

The news is not all bad, however.  According to the World Meteorological Organization, recent data indicates that the hole in the Earth's ozone layer situated over Antarctica will be smaller than that found in 2006 but larger than 2007.  The hole as of the 13th of September had an area of 27 million square kilometers - while the maximum size reached in 2007 was 25 million square kilometers.  The hole is still growing and expected to reach maximum size by early October.