Scientists are concerned about events in Antarctica

A Antarctica It is the coldest, windiest and driest continent on planet Earth. With average temperatures ranging from -10 °C to -60 °C, and with extreme cold peaks, it is one of the most inhospitable environments on the planet.

The climate is predominantly polar, with long winters and short, cold summers. Consequently, most of Antarctica is covered in ice. The ice cap contains approximately 90% of the ice in fresh water of the world.

These extreme weather conditions and the vastness of its landscape make Antarctica one of the most challenging and intriguing places to explore. scientific research and exploration.

However, we are facing the consequences of global warming, which is the gradual increase in the Earth’s average temperature.

This temperature, in turn, increases as the emission of greenhouse gasessuch as carbon dioxide and methane, in the atmosphere.

In practice, these gases trap heat from the sun, causing significant climate changes, such as the melting of polar ice caps, rising sea levels and extreme weather patterns.

The main driver of this phenomenon is human activity, especially the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.

The accelerated melting of ice in Antarctica is sparking growing concern among scientists and environmental experts as recent evidence reveals an alarming trend.

Since 2016, the situation has worsened, with ice reaching historically low levels and indicating a possible continued decline.

Antarctic ice reached its lowest level

Ice melting in Antarctica is alarming – Image: Reproduction

According to data from the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC), the extent of sea ice in Antarctica reached its lowest level recorded at the beginning of 2023, remaining 17% below the average.

In September of the same year, the annual extent of sea ice fell to 16.96 million square kilometers, marking the lowest record since 1979 and establishing a worrying new trend.

During the summer, ice minimums have historically been stable, but in 2023 they reached a tipping point, with just 1.91 million square kilometers in February, the lowest minimum on record.

As of February 2024, although there was a slight increase, the extent remained alarmingly low, at just 1.98 million square kilometers.

In this context, experts warn that the ocean warming is one of the main drivers of this phenomenon, signaling the possibility of a continued decline in Antarctic sea ice.

Ocean heat appears to play a significant role in slowing cold-season ice growth and increasing melting.

This worrying trend is also linked to record sea warming, with the global average temperature reaching 21.06 ºC in February 2024, surpassing the previous record set in August 2023.

Considering that 2023 was the hottest year in the last 100 thousand years, there is a growing consensus on the urgency of acting in the face of these climate challenges.