Antarctic Warming

Key Findings of the Journal Nature Climate Change

• Vegetation Increase: The extent of vegetation has increased 14 times over the past 35 years.
  • Specifically, plant cover expanded from less than 1 square km in 1986 to nearly 12 square kms by 2021.
• Accelerated Growth Rate: Between 2016 and 2021, the rate of greening increased by over 30%, indicating a rapid response to climate change.
• Temperature Changes:
  • The Antarctic Peninsula is warming at an alarming rate, approximately 3 degrees Celsius higher on average since 1950, which is about five times faster than the global average.
  • The region has faced record-breaking heat waves, with temperatures in July 2023 reaching up to 10 degrees Celsius above normal.
  • The warming climate has led to a significant decrease in sea ice extent, facilitating conditions that favour plant growth.

Impacts of Increased Vegetation on Local Wildlife in the Antarctic Peninsula

• Soil Formation: Mosses colonising ice-covered areas contribute organic matter, facilitating soil formation and creating new habitats for insects and small animals, such as springtails and mites.
• Ecosystem Dynamics: This will alter existing ecosystem dynamics. It will benefit some species while disadvantages those adapted to ice-dominated environments (such as penguins).
• Invasive Species Risk: Increased vegetation may attract invasive species, such as the Chilean mussel and various crabs, introduced through eco-tourism and scientific expeditions. These can outcompete native species, disrupting established ecosystems.
• Reduced Albedo: Increased vegetation may reduce the Peninsula’s ability to reflect sunlight, leading to further warming and local climate changes.
• Food Web Alterations: New food sources from increased vegetation can benefit herbivorous wildlife, such as seals and seabirds. However, this may also lead to competition among species for these resources.

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