The Artic is melting, says a comprehensive four-year study involving 300 scientists from 8 countries that ring the top of the globe. One of the findings indicates that sea ice annual averages were down eight percent in the last thirty years.

The report comes from the Arctic Council, which includes Canada, Iceland, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Russia, the United States, and six organizations representing the different indigenous peoples of the Arctic.

The frozen poles are the earth’s air conditioner. The results of the study could therefore spell the end for some majestic wildlife, and could be a bad omen for the rest of us.

Tune in to hear environmental experts discuss the evidence and implications of an Arctic thaw trend.

Guests:

Juliet Eilperin, reporter for the Washington Post;

Susan Joy Hassol, lead author and head of the integration team for the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment;

Daniel Lashof, science director of the Climate Center at the Natural Resource Defense Council;

Jack Beatty, On Point news analyst, senior editor at the Atlantic Monthly magazine.