Just 5.53 million square miles of ice had formed as of March 22, the smallest maximum extent since satellite recordkeeping began in the 1970s.

Sea ice plays many important roles for the global climate: Its white surface can reflect energy back into space, helping the planet cool. It also acts like a blanket for the ocean, insulating it and preventing ocean heat from reaching the atmosphere. Less sea ice means more heat goes in Earth’s systems, warming the atmosphere and the oceans.

This year's Arctic sea ice peak is the lowest in the 47-year satellite record, according to data released by the US National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) on Thursday, as Earth continues to swelter under the mounting effects of human-driven climate change.