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https://theconversation.com/ive-spent-40-years-studying-antarctica-the-frozen-continent-has-never-needed-our-help-more-211520>
"After decades immersed in Antarctic science, I’ve learned that physical and
biological changes rarely occur smoothly. More often than not, they unfold in
sharp steps. Right now, Antarctica’s climate and ecosystems are experiencing
disturbing changes.
Much of this winter’s sea ice is missing. A crucial ocean current is slowing
down, and glaciers and ice shelves are disintegrating.
On land, fragile moss ecosystems are collapsing. Majestic emperor penguins may
be headed for extinction. And pollution from human activity in Antarctica has
left a toxic legacy.
It’s almost certain things will get worse. On Friday, hundreds of international
scientists called for an urgent expansion – not contraction – of Southern Ocean
science in response to the emerging climate crisis. This adds to the scientific
chorus claiming we have only a narrow window to save the planet.
I’ve spent 40 years in Antarctic and subantarctic research. Some 22 of those
were spent at the federal government’s Australian Antarctic Division; my final
day there was last Thursday. No longer a public servant, I feel compelled, as a
private citizen now, to publicly stand up for the icy continent and the benefit
of Antarctic science to society."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
