'08 Sea Ice Level Highest Since 1979

Despite the dire predictions of environmentalist extremist nutcases who warned that Arctic sea ice was melting at an unprecedented rate, the year 2008 closed out with the highest level of sea ice since 1979.

According to the University of Illinois' Arctic Climate Research Center, satellite images of the polar regions show that the level of ice is at the same level recorded in 1979--the first year satellite images were used to gauge sea ice levels.

A key excerpt from the report:

Earlier this year, predictions were rife that the North Pole could melt entirely in 2008. Instead, the Arctic ice saw a substantial recovery. Bill Chapman, a researcher with the UIUC's Arctic Center, tells DailyTech this was due in part to colder temperatures in the region. Chapman says wind patterns have also been weaker this year. Strong winds can slow ice formation as well as forcing ice into warmer waters where it will melt.

I suppose this means, of course, that the polar bear will immediately be removed from the endangered species list, given that the prediction that very soon the Arctic would completely melt didn't pan out.

Wonder how long we'll be waiting for that one...