Growing environmental and health concerns

Marine mammals, such as seals and sea lions, in Antarctica are increasingly affected by the dual threats of environmental changes and human activity. Climate change has led to warming oceans and melting ice, which disrupt the ecosystems these animals depend on for survival. Shrinking sea ice reduces critical habitats for resting and breeding, while changes in prey availability, caused by shifting ocean temperatures, directly impact their ability to find food. Photo: Antarctica Bound, Flickr

Antarctic cruises have become a popular way to explore one of the world’s most pristine environments. However, the growing number of visitors raises significant environmental and health concerns.

Ships emit harmful pollutants, contributing to «black snow» that accelerates ice melting. Additionally, the influx of tourists risks disturbing fragile ecosystems and introducing diseases like avian influenza to local wildlife. Critics argue that the environmental costs of tourism outweigh the benefits of raising awareness about Antarctica’s beauty and importance. Stricter regulations and more sustainable practices are needed to safeguard this fragile environment.

Carbon footprint of Antarctic tourism

Euronews reports that the carbon footprint of Antarctic tourism is considerable. Studies show that the average per-passenger CO₂ emissions for an Antarctic holiday range from 3.76 to 5.44 tonnes, which is more than the annual emissions of individuals in countries like Brazil, India, or Mexico.

Contribution to global warming

All of these factors contribute to global warming, leading to rising temperatures on the continent. Earlier this year, scientists recorded a heatwave in Antarctica, with temperatures soaring 10°C above the average.

Disease transmission risks

The influx of tourists also threatens Antarctic wildlife by introducing diseases. Pathogens such as avian influenza could spread to native bird populations, resulting in severe ecological consequences.

Daily Telegraph is reporting that a key consideration is highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), outbreaks of which have killed hundreds of thousands of seabirds around the world since 2021. Marine mammals, including seals and sea lions, have also been affected.

Scientists have discovered widespread evidence of human-linked pathogens among Antarctic seabirds, marking a significant shift from earlier beliefs that animals on the continent were isolated from human-related bacteria. This new finding is the first large-scale study to confirm reverse zoonosis in the Southern Ocean, revealing potential risks for the continent’s fragile wildlife. This study highlights the growing concerns over the impact of human activity on Antarctica's ecosystems, which may now be more vulnerable to diseases previously thought to be absent.

Study author Jacob González-Solís, a researcher in the Department of Zoology and Biological Anthropology at the University of Barcelona is writing to CNN that this is the first time that such a wide-ranging study, in terms of geography and bird species, has been carried out in the Southern Ocean, which shows reasonably solid evidence of reverse zoonosis in the Antarctic, says st

Efforts to reduce environmental impact

In response to these challenges, some cruise operators are adopting more sustainable practices. For instance, certain ships visiting Antarctica are now equipped with technology to reduce underwater noise pollution and energy consumption.

Additionally, stringent biosecurity measures are being implemented to prevent the introduction of non-native species and pathogens. These measures include thorough cleaning of clothing and equipment, as well as scouting landing sites for signs of avian influenza.

Core of everything

Some cruise companies are working to reduce the environmental impact of their Antarctic voyages. Quark Expedetions offers «small» expeditions that provide more immersive experiences, with vessels designed to access remote areas that are less affected by the presence of large cruise ships.

–Sustainability is at the core of everything we do at Quark Expeditions, says Lyndsey Lewis, the company’s head of sustainability.

–It informs how we operate within our organisation, design and execute our expeditions, and engage with the pristine environments we are privileged to explore.

Last findings: A wake-up call

This is a a research base on the Antarctic Peninsula during the 2001-2002 austral summer, dedicated to studying penguins, marine mammals, and other scientific observations. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has been conducting research in Antarctica since its establishment in 1970. NOAA supports various programs and collaborations focused on understanding the Antarctic environment, including climate monitoring, marine ecosystem studies, and atmospheric research. Their efforts build on earlier U.S. governmental and scientific initiatives dating back to the International Geophysical Year in 1957-1958. Photo: NOAA Photo Library, Flickr

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) continues to lead the charge in climate science, unveiling new findings that underscore the urgency of addressing climate change.

Recent studies reveal record-breaking global temperatures, stronger hurricanes, and increasing economic damages due to extreme weather events. With advancements in climate modeling and new predictive tools, NOAA is working to enhance our understanding of climate dynamics and mitigate the effects of these environmental shifts.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has been at the forefront of climate research, providing critical insights into environmental changes and their global impacts. Recent studies and initiatives highlight NOAA's commitment to understanding and addressing climate-related challenges.

Record-breaking global temperatures

NOAA reports that 2024 is set to surpass previous years, marking the highest global temperatures on record. Preliminary data indicates a greater than 99% chance of 2024 being warmer than last year, with temperatures approximately 2.3 degrees Fahrenheit (1.28 degrees Celsius) above the 20th-century average. This trend underscores the escalating effects of human-driven climate change.

Politico

Intensification of Atlantic hurricanes

A recent study published in Environmental Research: Climate reveals that climate change has increased the strength of Atlantic hurricanes by approximately 18 miles per hour (29 kilometers per hour) since 2019. This intensification has led many hurricanes to escalate by an entire category on the Saffir-Simpson scale, resulting in more severe weather events.

Associated Press

Economic impacts of climate change

Monica Grasso, NOAA's chief economist, emphasizes the profound economic and social impacts of climate change. Her research estimates that weather-related disasters have caused approximately $150 billion in annual direct damages. Grasso advocates for data-driven investments in climate mitigation to address these challenges effectively.

Time

Advancements in climate modeling

NOAA is reevaluating its modeling of Pacific Ocean cycles, which are crucial for global weather predictions. Rising sea temperatures have disrupted traditional weather patterns, prompting NOAA to enhance forecast accuracy. This initiative aims to improve predictions for agriculture, trade, and disaster management.

Financial Times

Warn-on-Forecast system

The Warn-on-Forecast (WoF) system, developed by NOAA's National Severe Storms Laboratory, is designed to increase lead times for tornado, severe thunderstorm, and flash flood warnings. This system utilizes advanced forecasting techniques to provide earlier and more accurate warnings, enhancing public safety.

Through these initiatives, NOAA continues to advance our understanding of climate dynamics, aiming to mitigate adverse effects and promote resilience in the face of environmental challenges.