Blue Ocean Event (BOE)

 

Source: TH

Context: A new study suggests that the Arctic Ocean could be ice-free in summer by the 2030s, even with efforts to reduce emissions.

 

What is the Blue Ocean Event?

A “blue ocean event” refers to a situation in which the Arctic Ocean becomes ice-free during the summer, with the sea ice area dropping below 1 million square kilometres. It signifies the absence of sea ice at the top of the world and is considered a significant and alarming consequence of climate change.

The event represents a critical tipping point in the Arctic system, as more sea ice melts, it reduces the amount of sunlight reflected into space, leading to further warming and ice loss.