US EditionSurging tourism is polluting Antarctica, scientists warn
Pollution in Antarctica has risen tenfold over 40 years due to tourism and scientific activities, with ships using fossil fuels contributing heavy metals, researchers said.
- On August 20, 2025, scientists cautioned that the growing influx of tourists combined with the widening scope of scientific activities is contributing to greater pollution in Antarctica.
- This pollution is linked to increased human activity, with a team of researchers from several countries, including Chile and Germany, conducting a four-year expedition covering 2,000 kilometers in Antarctica to assess contamination levels.
- The study found that fine particle concentrations containing heavy metals are ten times higher than 40 years ago in areas with human presence.
- Raul Cordero from the University of Groningen explained that one tourist can cause the snow in Antarctica to melt faster, equivalent to about 100 tons of snow loss, and that scientific research teams remaining for longer periods can have an impact up to ten times greater.
- The study urged accelerating renewable energy use and slashing fossil fuels to reduce human burdens, while noting some progress like banning heavy fuel oil and adopting electric-hybrid ships.
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The number of tourists in Antarctica has increased from 20,000 to 120,000 over the past two decades.
Surging tourism polluting Antarctica, scientists warn
SANTIAGO, Chile - Soaring numbers of tourists and expanding research projects are increasingly polluting Antarctica, scientists warned Wednesday, a fresh blow for one of Earth’s most pristine environments already threatened by human-driven climate change.
Surging Tourism Is Polluting Antarctica, Scientists Warn
Soaring numbers of tourists and expanding research projects are increasingly polluting Antarctica, scientists warned Wednesday, a fresh blow for one of Earth's most pristine environments already threatened by human-driven climate change.
Surging tourism is polluting Antarctica, scientists warn
Soaring numbers of tourists and expanding research projects are increasingly polluting Antarctica, scientists warned Wednesday, a fresh blow for one of Earth's most pristine environments already threatened by human-driven climate change.
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