Tourism and research activity in Antarctica are speeding up snowmelt and pollution, scientists find

Tourism and research activity in Antarctica are speeding up snowmelt and pollution, scientists find

The rising number of tourists and long-term research projects in Antarctica are releasing heavy metal particles that darken snow, accelerate melting, and threaten one of Earth’s last remaining pristine environments.France 24 reports.In short:Scientists say human activity in Antarctica has increased tenfold concentrations of fine particles containing heavy metals like nickel, lead, and copper over the last 40 years.Tourist numbers have surged fro…

Scientists warn of rising pollution in Antarctica amid tourism boom

Antarctica, one of Earth’s most pristine environments, is facing increasing pollution due to a surge in tourism and expanding research activities, scientists warned. A study published in Nature Sustainability revealed that areas of the continent where human activity is present now contain concentrations of fine particles with heavy metals up to 10 times higher than …