AP Top NewsBiologyClimateClimate changeGeneral NewsGlaciersWeather Even frozen Antarctica is being walloped by climate extremes, scientists find by Lucas Garcia August 8, 2023 written by Lucas Garcia August 8, 2023 3 comments Bookmark 40 Even Antarctica, one of the Earth’s most remote and desolate locations, is experiencing severe impacts from climate extremes, with scientists recording shattered temperature records and an uptick in unusual weather events, a new study reveals. This southernmost continent, once considered somewhat detached from the global impacts of climate change, is now showing alarming signs. A paper published in Frontiers in Environmental Science provides a consolidated view of this change, highlighting the distinct impacts across different parts of the continent. The western region and the peninsula are witnessing dramatic ice sheet melt that could cause substantial sea level rises in the future, while the eastern side sometimes experiences ice gains. One rapidly melting glacier has even been dubbed the “Doomsday Glacier,” and researchers are earnestly trying to understand its decline. In stark contrast, Antarctic sea ice levels have swung from record highs to shockingly low levels. If these trends persist, which is likely if humanity fails to control emissions, the consequences could be profound. The disappearance of large ice masses that reflect sunlight could lead to even more global warming. Coastal areas could vanish, and the world must now prepare for these and other serious effects of climate change. Lead author Martin Siegert, a glaciologist and professor at the University of Exeter, warned, “A changing Antarctica is bad news for our planet.” The team sought to explore the causes of these extreme events and their links to burning fossil fuels, synthesizing research on topics such as weather patterns, sea ice, land ice, and marine and land biology. The study concluded that the once somewhat protected continent is now experiencing worsening climate change extremes. It’s no longer “a static giant frozen in time” but is increasingly feeling the chaotic impacts of climate change. The complexity and interconnection between ice, ocean, and air are central to the researchers’ findings, demonstrating how hard it will be to reverse these changes. The evidence of climate change in Antarctica is strong, and human activities are linked to these changes. The heatwaves, loss of sea ice, collapsing ice shelves, and threats to biodiversity have raised serious concerns. For example, last year’s heatwave in Antarctica brought temperatures 70 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. Sea ice and ice shelves act like barriers to glaciers, slowing their flow into the ocean. Their disappearance means glaciers can flow faster, and large ice areas’ loss increases warming, like wearing a black T-shirt instead of a white one on a hot day. Experts warn that these extremes are becoming more frequent and will continue to do so. Although the continent’s systems are extreme by nature, they are still highly susceptible to minor changes. Waleed Abdalati, an environmental researcher, states that what we see is alarming, emphasizing the concern over the steady increase of destructive events. The need for preparation is clear: reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing measures to adapt to rising sea levels and extreme weather are essential. Ice scientist Ted Scambos expresses disappointment over the lack of action, saying, “We’ve been saying this for 30 years. I wish we were taking action faster.” This new research on Antarctica adds to the growing body of evidence that the consequences of climate change are tangible, far-reaching, and demand urgent attention. As scientists continue to monitor and analyze the situation, the calls for decisive action to mitigate and adapt to these changes are becoming increasingly insistent. Table of Contents Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Climate ExtremesWhat are scientists finding in Antarctica regarding climate extremes?How is climate change affecting Antarctica?What are the consequences of these extreme changes in Antarctica?Are human activities linked to these changes in Antarctica?How is the disappearance of sea ice and ice shelves impacting the region?What are scientists urging in response to these findings?More about Climate Extremes Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Climate Extremes What are scientists finding in Antarctica regarding climate extremes? Scientists are finding shattered temperature records and an increase in the size and number of unusual weather events in Antarctica. The continent is not isolated from the impacts of human-caused climate change. How is climate change affecting Antarctica? Climate change is causing dramatic ice sheet melt in the western end and peninsula of Antarctica, leading to potential sea level rises over the coming centuries. Additionally, Antarctic sea ice levels have fluctuated from record highs to unprecedented lows. What are the consequences of these extreme changes in Antarctica? If the current trend of climate change continues, it could lead to a cascade of consequences, including disappearing coastlines, increased global warming accelerated by the loss of sunlight-reflecting ice, and threats to biodiversity. Are human activities linked to these changes in Antarctica? Yes, the evidence suggests that human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, are strongly linked to the extreme changes observed in Antarctica. How is the disappearance of sea ice and ice shelves impacting the region? Sea ice and ice shelves act as barriers to glaciers, slowing their flow into the ocean. As they disappear, glaciers can flow faster, and the loss of large ice masses contributes to further warming by reducing sunlight reflection. What are scientists urging in response to these findings? Scientists emphasize the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing adaptation measures to prepare for rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events worldwide. Action is needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change. More about Climate Extremes “Frontiers in Environmental Science” paper: Link University of Exeter: Link University of Leeds: Link Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego: Link Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University: Link University of Colorado: Link You Might Be Interested In Mexico Nullifies Federal Abortion Ban, Yet State-Level Constraints Endure Eight Injured in Tel Aviv Attack Amid Israeli Operation in the West Bank Revocation of Alex Murdaugh’s Inmate Communication Perks Following Unauthorized Recording by Legal Counsel Exit polls in Greek election project landslide win for conservative New Democracy party Supreme Court Rejects Far-reaching Legislative Theory, Leaves Room for Future Election Challenges Georgia State Legislator Mesha Mainor Switches to Republicans, Disillusioned with Democratic Party adaptation measuresAntarcticaAP Top NewsBiologyClimate changeDoomsday Glacierenvironmental scienceextreme eventsGeneral NewsglaciersGlobal Warminggreenhouse gas emissionsice meltsea icetemperature recordsWeatherweather events Share 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail Lucas Garcia Following Author Lucas Garcia, a seasoned business reporter, brings you the latest updates and trends in finance and economics. 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December 28, 2023 3 comments ClimateLover86 August 8, 2023 - 11:56 am wow! so Antartica’s like not safe from climate change, huh? that’s like cray-cray, man! ice melt, extreme weather, and all, we need to stop it now! Reply IceWatcher123 August 8, 2023 - 4:23 pm omg, Antarctica’s gettin’ hit hard! ice meltin’, sea ice shrinkin’, doomsday glacier, that sounds bad! humans gotta do somethin’ ’bout it, or we’re toast! Reply WeatherNerd47 August 8, 2023 - 11:01 pm Whoa, Antarctica’s temperature records are like shattered! It’s gettin’ wackier there, and it’s all linked to climate change, man! Let’s act now! Reply Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ