The polar ice caps are giant sheets of ice around the north and south poles of the planet. These are the largest freshwater sources on Earth, and have been shrinking steadily due to climate change. Climate change causes increases in global temperature in the oceans, causing ice to melt and recede. Find more infomation on nsidc.org
The Arctic plays an important part in keeping the planet cool, helping reflect heat back into space. The melting of the ice caps can cause global flooding, worsen climate change, habitat loss for animals depending on the ice, and also cause damage to crops due to possible heat waves. A good source for more information is worldwildlife.org
