2 . On Sept. 21, 2020, scientists announced that Arctic sea ice has already lost two-thirds of its amount over the past four decades. It is part of a shocking trend in polar heating that is already seeing impacts across the globe.

Throughout the spring and summer, Arctic sea ice melted away faster than it usually does, causing the largest loss of Arctic sea ice cover since satellite records began in the 1970s. This year's minimum was reached on September 15, at 3.74 million m² compared with the previous low—4.17 million m²—set in 2007.

What's causing this loss of sea ice? The short answer is our heating climate. A recent study showed that the influence of heat has more than doubled over the past decade or so, which means the melting of nearly a meter thickness of sea ice each year.

The biggest effects of the loss of Arctic sea ice, of course, will be felt locally: from the more possible snowfall to more storms with stronger winds. These will also cause waves as well as rising temperatures. In fact, the increased temperatures transformed northern forests into tinderboxes ready to burn. That melt also means polar bears are losing critical habitat and Inuit hunters are losing ice to preserve their traditions and culture.

On a larger scale, the greatest impact may be the changes in the Arctic 's ability io function as a cooling system for the global ocean. A warmer Arctic will affect the temperature differences between the northern polar region and areas further south. That may, in turn, create stronger heat waves, droughts, floods and potential impacts on farming. And all of us will be more exposed to the disastrous effects of climate breakdown.

We need to hit the reset button right now on how we look after each other and Arctic sea ice to help our planet cope with the climate breakdown.

1. What do the figures in Paragraph 2 show us?

A．The ways of sea ice melting.	B．The reasons for sea ice melting.
C．The big fall in the amount of sea ice.	D．The great damage of sea ice melting.

2. What may happen due to the Arctic sea ice loss?

A．The reduction of snowfall.	B．The global climate emergency.
C．The direct outbreak of forest fires.	D．The disappearance of Inuit hunters.

3. What is the last paragraph mainly about?

A．Stressing the importance of oceans.	B．Warning people of the possible risks.
C．Putting forward some useful measures.	D．Appealing to the public to protect Arctic sea ice.

4. Which can be the best title for the text?

A．The earth is facing a catastrophe.	B．Climate breakdown is on the way.
C．Global heating sees Arctic sea ice loss.	D．Arctic sea ice is important for mankind.