A new report published earlier this week in the UK suggests that Antarctica has yet to experience the full effect of today's climate change influences.
The report states that for the last 30 years, the ozone hole has shielded the bulk of the Antarctic from the effects of “global warming”.
What is noted however is that:
- The Southern Ocean is warming – the ecosystem will change
- There has been a rapid expansion of plant communities across the Antarctic Peninsula
- Parts of the Antarctic are losing ice at a rapid rate
- Sea ice has increased in extent over the last 30 years as a result of the ozone hole
- Paleoclimate studies in Antarctica show that the current shock to global climate is unusual
- Marine ecosystem components, such as krill and penguins, linked to the sea ice show a clear response to climate change
- Assuming a doubling of greenhouse gas concentrations over the next century, Antarctica is expected to warm by around 3ºC
- West Antarctica could make a major contribution to sea level rise over the next century
- Improved representation of polar processes is needed in models to produce better predictions
For more info and to download the whopping 20mb report follow this link:
http://sciblogs.co.nz/hot-topic/2009/12/05/antarctic-science-review-greening-and-melting/
Protection of our Antarctic wilderness is a priority for Forest & Bird's international work. With activities in antarctica building each year, this report should sound another warmning bell that action and protection is needed now!