US EditionRapid loss of Antarctic ice may be climate tipping point, scientists say
Scientists report Antarctic sea ice has shrunk 4.4 times faster than Arctic ice over the past decade, triggering self-amplifying changes with severe consequences for global climate and ecosystems.
- Scientists warned on Wednesday that Antarctica is experiencing rapid and potentially irreversible changes including a dramatic decline in sea ice and a slowdown of ocean currents.
- These changes are driven by climate warming linked to greenhouse gas emissions, with multiple sources—including historical records and geological samples—supporting the observed trends since 2014.
- The Antarctic winter sea-ice edge has retreated about 120 kilometers on average since 2014, with decline rates 4.4 times faster than Arctic reductions, impacting ice-dependent species like emperor penguins.
- Lead scientist Nerilie Abram warned that the decline of Antarctic sea ice triggers a continuing cycle that could cause severe consequences for ecosystems and contribute to sea levels rising by several metres.
- The study suggests that reducing greenhouse gas emissions can slow changes but may not prevent some irreversible impacts, including the possible extinction of emperor penguins by 2100.
40 Articles
40 Articles
Climate researchers are observing signs of abrupt changes in Antarctica. According to the authors of a new study, global warming is approaching a threshold at which such a large part of the ice sheet could melt that global sea level is rising by several metres - and development continues to intensify itself.
Scientists fear abrupt changes in Antarctica. An overview of the current state of research shows a gloomy future for emperor penguins and for humanity.
In Antarctica, climate researchers estimate that there may be drastic changes at the moment. The team warns: Sea level could rise massively, coastal cities and animal species such as the Kaiser Penguin are threatened.
Climate change is increasingly affecting Antarctica: the ice could disappear, sea levels could rise significantly, emperor penguins would lose their breeding ground. Researchers warn of irreversible changes.
We'll all Feel the Abrupt Changes Striking Antarctica Sea Ice and Ocean Currents
By Nerilie Abram, Australian National University; Ariaan Purich, Monash University; Felicity McCormack, Monash University; Jan Strugnell, James Cook University, and Matthew England, UNSW Sydney (The Conversation) – Antarctica has long been seen as a remote, unchanging environment. Not any more. The ice-covered continent and the surrounding Southern Ocean are undergoing abrupt and alarming changes. Sea ice is shrinking rapidly, the floating glaci…
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