Arctic sea ice is melting so fast most of it could be gone in 30 years. A new analysis of changing conditions in the region, using complex computer models of weather and climate, says conditions that had been forecast by the end of the century may occur much sooner.

The new report is by scientists at the Joint Institute for the Study of Atmosphere and Ocean and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory.

The scientists expect the area covered by summer sea ice to decline from about 2.8 million square miles normally to 620,000 square miles within 30 years. Since 1979, the six lowest winter maximum ice covers have all occurred in the last six years.

Arctic sea ice is so important because it helps cool the planet by reflecting sunlight back into space. As the ice melts, the sun’s warmth is instead absorbed, increasing water and air temperatures.