ASOC
Climate Crisis in Antarctica
Antarctica is at a crossroads. The global climate crisis is interrupting natural processes across large parts of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
As we stand on the brink of catastrophic change, the actions we take over the next decade will determine the course of human civilization for generations.
What’s happening?
CLIMATE CRISIS IN ANTARCTICA
The polar regions are the first to be affected by the heating climate, and dramatic changes are already underway in Antarctica.
Floating ice shelves are melting rapidly, raising concerns about sudden, uncontrollable sea level rise. The Antarctic Peninsula, a popular tourist destination, is one of the most rapidly warming places in the Southern Hemisphere, with average summer temperatures increasing by over 5°F (3°C) between 1970 and 2020.
Since the 1970s the Southern Ocean has absorbed as much as 75 percent of the excess heat created by humans, and 40 percent of the carbon dioxide. Warmer, more acidic oceans are already impacting Antarctic ecosystems, with many penguin colonies shrinking, and in some cases disappearing altogether.
CLIMATE CRISIS IN ANTARCTICA
What are the impacts?
Antarctica and its ice, ocean and ecosystems play a critical role in regulating the global climate. Together they help slow global heating, drive important ocean currents, and contribute to the drawdown of millions of tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
The climate crisis is disrupting these delicate systems. They are changing rapidly, with effects that will be felt around the world.
Humans
Human activity is causing changes in our climate, and the natural systems that support life as we know it.
Penguins
Between 1980 and 2020, several penguin colonies on the Antarctic Peninsula vanished.
Ice
Antarctic ice is changing. Collapsing ice shelves could lead to several feet of sea level rise by 2100.
Ocean
The Southern Ocean is slowing climate change by absorbing excess heat. But it comes at a cost.
Why it’s important
CLIMATE CRISIS IN ANTARCTICA
What happens in Antarctica as the planet heats will affect all of humanity. A warming Southern Ocean threatens to slow global ocean circulation and drive extreme weather events across the globe. Find out more.
Melting Antarctic ice has the potential to raise global sea levels by hundreds of feet. Even a few feet of sea level rise would be catastrophic for millions of people, destroying critical sources of freshwater and farmland with saltwater, and displacing millions of people. Find out more.
CLIMATE CRISIS IN ANTARCTICA
What ASOC is doing
ASOC advocates for policies that will build Antarctic ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change. We work to build awareness of the impacts of climate change on the Antarctic environment through public advocacy, reporting to Antarctic governance meetings, and conducting outreach to governments.
CLIMATE CRISIS
How we work
As the only environmental NGO invited to observe Antarctic Treaty meetings, we represent the Antarctic conservation community at the highest levels of Antarctic governance. We work within the system to address the climate crisis in the following ways.
Marine Protected Areas
ASOC strongly supports the establishment of a representative network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) across the Southern Ocean.
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Marine Protected Areas
ASOC strongly supports the establishment of a representative network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) across the Southern Ocean.
It is in our interest to protect the Southern Ocean and its ecosystems, as they perform vital ecosystem services that support a stable climate and healthy planet. For example, Antarctic krill absorb carbon, and migratory whales that feed in Antarctica distribute nutrients across the ocean through the ‘whale pump’.
A representative network of Antarctic MPAs will protect biodiversity, provide reference areas for scientific research and help mitigate the impacts of a changing climate.
Within the Antarctic Treaty System
ASOC advocates for precautionary, science-based policies at the highest levels of Antarctic governance.
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Within the Antarctic Treaty System
ASOC advocates for precautionary, science-based policies at the highest levels of Antarctic governance.
ASOC presents timely, science-based policy proposals at intergovernmental meetings, providing member nations with informed advice on how to protect the Antarctic environment.
ASOC also promotes the implementation of specific climate adaptation strategies, including:
- Biosecurity measures to prevent competition from invasive species.
- Establishing a representative network of Marine Protected Areas.
- Monitoring and reducing carbon emissions released by human activity in Antarctica including science, tourism and fisheries.
- The implementation of adaptive management systems which incorporate uncertainty and respond to new information.
The Polar Code
The International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code) aims to avoid environmental damage in the remote and sensitive polar regions.
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The Polar Code
The International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code) aims to avoid environmental damage in the remote and sensitive polar regions.
Vessels operating in Antarctic waters contribute to global carbon emissions and black carbon pollution.
ASOC is calling for reductions in black carbon emissions through the use of technology such as particulate filters, which could virtually eliminate further damage from black carbon.
Download black carbon infographic.
ASOC continues to participate in international meetings where the Polar Code is on the agenda. We present decision-makers with policy papers backed by the best available science, advocating for strong protection for the Antarctic environment.
Video: courtesy of Richard Sidey
What you can do
climate crisis
It’s not too late to act. The greatest threats to Antarctica today come from right here – where we live. As Antarctica nears irreversible tipping points, we must take urgent action now to secure a safe climate future.
