ECHOES OF THE LAST MIND

ORIGIN: https://www.yourweather.co.uk/news/

From collapsing ice shelves and record-low sea ice to powerful storms and threats to fragile ecosystems, scientists have explained their fears for Antarctica.

Sea ice reflections around Rothera Point in Antarctica (c) Steve Gibbs, BAS

Scientists fear that Antarctica is reaching dangerous tipping points that could accelerate global heating, raise sea levels, and disrupt weather patterns worldwide.

Science body the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) explained the various ways in which the continent is vital to the stability of the earth’s climate.

Firstly, the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica absorbs most of the excess heat caused by greenhouse gas emissions.

This is already fuelling more powerful storms, heatwaves, and rainfall globally that disrupt lives far beyond the polar regions.

Antarctica is changing faster than we ever imagined. These changes are already affecting communities and ecosystems worldwide. In addition, species such as krill, deep-sea coral and sponge habitats support fisheries, biodiversity, and even regulate the planet’s

carbon balance. They are all currently under threat. If the melting of Antarctic ice sheets passes key thresholds, sea levels could rise by more than ten