Well, the different nature of the Arctic ice fields makes for better news coverage, it's a bit more dramatic
Example - if the Arctic continues to melt at the same rate, it could be clear by 2030.
from wiki
Quote:
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Satellite data reported by NASA had shown evidence in 2002 that the total amount of ice in Antarctica had increased in the previous few decades[2]. This was significant because there is a large amount of ice in the area and some climate models predicting global warming also predict that some of the most severe warming should occur in Antarctica. On the other hand, a warming climate in the southern hemisphere would transport more moisture to Antarctica so the ice sheet would in fact grow and could somewhat counteract rising sea levels[1]. However, more recent satellite data suggests that the total amount of ice in Antarctica has begun decreasing in the past few years[3]. This melting ice could raise sea levels significantly if it continues.
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I can't find the paper that is linked for this idea, it's cited everywhere but seems to have moved.
The glciers are moving faster, too. That could lead to further sheet extent.