(NASA/CNN) - A new report reveals the Arctic saw its second-warmest year on record in 2017.
The report, sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shows Arctic temperatures continue to rise at double the rate of the global temperature increase.
As a result, this year's maximum winter sea ice was the lowest ever observed.
Sea ice is also getting thinner, with multi-year ice comprising just 21 percent of Arctic ice coverage.
By comparison, 45 percent of Arctic sea ice was multi-year ice 30 years ago.
NOAA said the results show there are major challenges and opportunities to be made in the Arctic.
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