Antarctica risks ‘cascades of extreme events’ as Earth warms, study says

Antarctica is experiencing increasingly extreme weather conditions, such as ocean heat waves and ice loss. A new study warns that unless urgent action is taken to reduce fossil fuel emissions, these events will become more intense. The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Environmental Science, highlights the urgent need to address climate change and its damaging effects.

The study states that greenhouse gas emissions will undoubtedly lead to larger and more frequent extreme events, pushing the world dangerously close to surpassing the 1.5C warming limit set in the Paris Agreement. It also emphasizes the potential for cascading effects and wide-ranging impacts in multiple realms due to these extreme events.

Researchers are increasingly concerned about the Antarctic ice’s inability to recover after reaching record lows in February. This deviation from the norm, referred to as a “six sigma event,” is incredibly rare and occurs once in every 7.5 million years. The Arctic is also experiencing accelerated ice loss and is projected to be ice-free in summers by 2030, highlighting the rapid destruction caused by global warming.

Global temperatures have reached record highs, leading to devastating wildfires and heatwaves in Canada and Europe. South America is also facing unprecedented winter temperatures, with parts of Chile experiencing temperatures exceeding 30C.

The study reveals that the most extreme heatwave ever recorded occurred in East Antarctica, with temperatures reaching 38.5C above seasonal norms in 2022. It warns that low sea ice events may become more frequent, similar to the Arctic, and result in a self-perpetuating cycle as more solar heat is absorbed and less is reflected due to reduced ice cover.

Antarctica is projected to face significant stress and damage in the coming decades. The study emphasizes the importance of countries adhering to the Antarctic Treaty signed in 1959, which aims to preserve the continent’s fragile environment. Failure to reduce emissions could lead to a breach of this agreement by some countries.

“Continuing exploration, extraction, and burning of fossil fuels worldwide will increasingly impact Antarctica in ways that contradict our pledge to protect the environment,” warns lead author Martin Siegert, a professor at the University of Exeter.

As the Antarctic sea ice melts, previously inaccessible areas may become navigable, requiring careful management and biosecurity measures to protect vulnerable sites. Siegert emphasizes that Antarctic change has global implications, making it crucial for every country and individual to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preserving Antarctica.

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
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