Antarctic winter sea ice hits record low, sparking climate worries

FILE PHOTO: An iceberg floats near Two Hummock Island, Antarctica, February 2, 2020. REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino/File Photo

(Reuters) - Sea ice that packs the ocean around Antarctica hit record low levels this winter, the U.S. National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) said on Monday, adding to scientists' fears that the impact of climate change at the southern pole is ramping up.

Researchers warn the shift can have dire consequences for animals like penguins who breed and rear their young on the sea ice, while also hastening global warming by reducing how much sunlight is reflected by white ice back into space.