Antarctic winter sea ice falls to third-lowest level on record as scientists warn of ‘now problem’

The area of sea covered by Antarctic ice has peaked at the fourth-lowest level recorded. The four lowest years on record have all occurred in the past four years. Photograph: Hongjie Han/Getty Images

Antarctica’s winter sea ice has peaked at its third-lowest level on record, falling a million square kilometres – or almost 400,000 square miles – short of the long-term average, scientists have confirmed.

Confirmation of the peak meant the four lowest years on record for the continent’s sea ice – a vital component of the planet’s climate and critical for marine life – had all occurred in the past four years.