Antarctica is one of those places on the planet with a fascinating beauty, where scientists from around the world study the rapid melting of icebergs and global warmingAt the same time, they look for clues about humanity's past that will help with possible problems in the future and even help find Life forms that survive in the most extreme conditions possible.
Almost the 98% of the territory Antarctica is covered in ice, and this ice is constantly moving. Temperatures in this part of the world can range from zero degrees south of the Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula to unbearable temperatures near the South Pole. To better understand the impact of melting glaciers, check out this article on melting ice in Antarctica.
Antarctica has an active volcano in the area known as Deception island. On this island there are areas where the sea boils at 100 ° C, while in others, the sea can be frozen to zero degrees. Winters are usually long and dark, and the sun doesn't usually make much of an appearance.
Although you may find it hard to believe, Antarctica is an area that is visited by many tourists who come attracted by the beauty of its breathtaking sceneryAt the other end of the scale are the researchers who, thanks to the work they do daily in the area, seek solutions to the devastating effects of global warming across the planet. Growing tourism activity may have repercussions on the Antarctic biodiversity.
The Beauty of Antarctic Nature
The beauty of nature in Antarctica, at its peak, is a reliable indicator of the planet's health. Environmental degradation goes hand in hand with the destruction of beautiful environments. Sadly, we have many examples on Earth—and increasingly so—where the deterioration to which we are subjecting the natural environment is perceptible. Climate change is accelerating this degenerative process, which should make us reflect on the direction our technological society is taking and take action on the matter once and for all.
However, Antarctica is not yet suffering such accelerated degradation, but its beauty is threatened. On the cover of the Spanish edition of the magazine National Geographic Last July, a shocking headline appeared: “Antarctica. The beauty that fades away”This was the announcement of a lavishly illustrated special report on the White Continent, which showed the effects of climate change in the region. For more information on climate change in general, you can read the article on How this phenomenon affects Antarctica.
Unlike what's happening in the Arctic, the loss of ice in Antarctica isn't as evident, although there are places—mainly on its periphery—where some changes are beginning to manifest that cannot be dissociated from climate change. The repeated breakups of ice shelves and the gigantic polynya (meltwater lagoon) that formed last spring on the Weddell Sea ice pack are examples of this threatened Antarctic beauty.
Impact of Global Warming
The Western Antarctic Peninsula, the northernmost part of the continent and one of its most biodiverse regions, is particularly vulnerable to the cumulative threats of commercial krill fishing, tourism, and climate change. According to the Antarctic and Polar Ocean Partnership (ASOC), the peninsula has warmed twice as fast as the global average during the second half of the 20th century. This increase in temperature is contributing to the Antarctic biodiversity is threatened.
Furthermore, the melting of Antarctica's ice masses would have fatal consequences for global ocean currents and lead to a drastic rise in sea levels worldwide. This phenomenon is alarming, especially when we consider that the ice covering the continent stores approximately 100% of the total surface water. 70% of the planet's fresh water. The glacier instability It is a clear example of how global warming can compromise our fresh water.
Another major threat to biodiversity on the peninsula is the commercial fishing of Antarctic krill, a small crustacean that is the cornerstone of life in this region. Krill are the base of the Antarctic food chain, feeding whales, fish, squid, seals, and Adélie and gentoo penguins. However, as sea ice cover decreases, more industrial fishing vessels are invading the feeding grounds of these natural predators, effectively competing with them for krill.
Tourism and its Impact
The peninsula is also the most visited part of Antarctica, due to its easy access, spectacular beauty, stunning wildlife, and rich marine ecosystems. However, the number of tourists has doubled in the last decade, increasing the risk of introducing invasive species that travel on tourists' equipment. In the 2009-10 season, approximately 33.000 cruise ship passengers visited the region, a figure that rose to more than 74.000 last year. This puts increasing pressure on biodiversity, reinforcing the need for stricter regulations, such as those mentioned in the article on volcanoes in Antarctica.
The expansion of infrastructure to accommodate scientists and research, such as buildings, roads, fuel storage, and airstrips, also poses a threat, as it can displace local Antarctic biodiversity. Eighteen countries have scientific facilities on the Antarctic Peninsula, which has 19 permanent and 30 seasonal research bases.
Protection Initiatives
To save the Antarctic Peninsula, one of the critical steps is to protect its waters and its lifeblood: Antarctic krill. This can be done by establishing a marine protected area (MPA) in the region, which would limit or prohibit human activities such as commercial fishing. In 2018, an MPA was first proposed around the peninsula, covering 670.000 square kilometers.
The proposed MPA represents a balance between environmental protection and commercial interests. The area would be divided into two zones: a general protection zone covering 60% of the MPA, designed to protect different key habitats and wildlife, and a krill fishing zone that keeps some fishing areas open. However, the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources has not yet reached an agreement on this project, and delays could be disastrous for the region's biodiversity. Decisions are crucial, as highlighted in the article on the dangers of climate change.
Since the 41st Conference of the Antarctic Commission, the need for stricter regulation of krill fishing, whose numbers have declined dramatically in recent years, has been emphasized. This small crustacean is not only crucial to the food chain but is also in high demand in industries such as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Nutrient-rich oil is extracted from krill, and dietary supplements with omega-3 fatty acids are produced.
The unique beauty of Antarctica is in danger, and with it, the entire Earth, as the planet's habitats are interconnected. Effective regulation of human activities in this region is essential to conserving its biodiversity and ensuring the planet's ecological balance. The fight to preserve this fragile ecosystem must be a global priority.
The decisions made today will influence the future of Antarctica and the health of the planet. We must act now to protect not only Antarctica, but also the natural heritage of all humanity. Conserving Antarctica is a responsibility that must be assumed by all.
