John, about 40% of Arctic summer sea ice has melted since 1979. Without urgent action to tackle climate change, scientists predict Arctic summer sea ice could disappear around 2050, threatening polar bears and other animals that need sea ice to survive.
Melting sea ice also exacerbates warming. That’s because sea ice reflects 50-70% of sunlight, while ocean water absorbs 90% of sunlight. The more sea ice we lose, the more Earth warms.
While the race to save Arctic summer sea ice is urgent, there is something we can do about it. EDF research shows that slashing methane and carbon pollution right now is our best hope to save sea ice.
EDF studies show that:
- Speed matters: Today’s methane pollution will cause 80 times more warming than an equal amount of carbon pollution over the next 20 years. That means slashing methane pollution now is the fastest way to slow warming.
- The odds are good: Rapid methane reductions and net-zero carbon pollution by 2050 increase the odds of saving Arctic summer sea ice from nearly 0% to 80%.
- There is low-hanging fruit: One of the easiest ways to slash methane pollution is for the U.S. oil and gas industry to plug the estimated one million abandoned wells that are leaking methane.
- It’s doable and affordable: We have the technology needed to reduce oil and gas methane by 75%, and two-thirds of those reductions could be achieved at zero net cost to industry.
We’re rallying climate activists like you to call for bold and immediate action on methane. We need the strongest protections possible, and we need everyone to do their part. Please sign our petition today to urge the EPA to cut methane pollution and protect our climate.
Thank you for fighting for a safer future,
Anne Russell Gregory
Manager, Online Member Engagement
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