The time bomb at the top of the world

Fires, floods, storms, and other natural disasters are already destroying homes and livelihoods but with scientists expecting the Arctic Ocean to be almost ice-free in late summer, there could be far worse yet to come

One risk, in particular, is so great that it alone threatens humanity itself: the rapid depletion of Arctic sea ice. Picture: Greenpeace 

It is hard to imagine more devastating effects of climate change than the fires that have been raging in California, Oregon, and Washington, or the procession of hurricanes that have approached – and, at times, ravaged – the Gulf Coast. 

There have also been deadly heatwaves in India, Pakistan, and Europe, and devastating flooding in Southeast Asia. But there is far worse ahead, with one risk, in particular, so great that it alone threatens humanity itself: the rapid depletion of Arctic sea ice.