Coverage levels fall a million square kilometres short of the long-term average, with global heating likely driving lossesFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAntarctica’s winter sea ice has peaked at its third-lowest level on record, falling a million square kilometres – or almost 400,000 square miles – short of the long-term average, scientists have confirmed.Confirmation of the peak meant the four lowest years on record for the continent’s sea ice – a vital component of the planet’s climate and critical for marine life – had all occurred in the past four years. Continue reading…