Antarctica

📰 Latest Stories · 2

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 8 months ago | concerned

Antarctic Sea Ice Drops to Record Low, Raising Global Warming Warning

Antarctic sea ice has dropped to record-low levels, defying assumptions of resistance to global warming. Current extent is less than 17 million sq km, 1.5 million sq km below September average. Loss could accelerate glacier flow and sea level rise, creating a feedback loop. Scientists warn of potential consequences as ice retreats, exposing dark ocean that absorbs more heat. Since the 1990s, Antarctic land ice loss has contributed to 7.2mm sea level rise.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 9 months ago | concerned

Sea Ice Decline Puts Emperor Penguins on Brink of Extinction

Approximately 10,000 emperor penguin chicks died in the Bellingshausen Sea region due to sea ice melt. Dr Peter Fretwell of BAS analyzed satellite imagery showing ice melted and fractured, causing chicks to drown. Over 90% of emperor penguin colonies could be extinct by century's end if trends continue. The study focused on five colonies. Sea ice is crucial for breeding and raising young. Satellite technology tracked penguins via guano.