4 Dec 2011

Arctic continues to change dramatically - report

7:15 am on 4 December 2011

A United States federal agency says the Arctic is continuing to change dramatically, with warmer temperatures leading to less ice coverage in the summer and an increase in green vegetation.

In its annual report, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says the changes are depriving polar bears and walruses of habitat.

On the other hand, it says, whales are getting more access to feeding areas.