Earthweek: a diary of the planet

Arctic may become “ice free” within 15 years because of global heating, according to a team of U.S. scientists. While areas of the thickest ice that surround islands near the North Pole are likely to survive until later this century, the region will be considered ice-free when the summer coverage is less than 386,000 square miles. Writing in Climate, the researchers say statistical models point to the first ice-free summer arriving in the 2030s, with 2034 the most likely year. ”The extent of Arctic ice is important to Arctic peoples, whose lands are being affected by increased coastal erosion,” the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said.

The U.N. head warns that the world is “way off track” in combatting the climate crisis and is running out of time. Secretary-General António Guterres gave warnings at the release of the U.N.’s assessment of the global climate in 2019. It says last year was marked by record-breaking atmospheric heat and marine heat waves that affected at least 84% of the world’s oceans. There was also unprecedented severe weather. “Climate change is the defining challenge of our time," Guterres said.

The world’s last female white giraffe and one of its calves have been killed by poachers in Kenya, leaving only one of the slain female’s white offspring alive. The mother was first spotted in 2017. Their white coats were caused by leucism, which is different from albinism, as dark pigments grow in soft tissues, giving them dark eyes.