Antarctica has been experiencing a gradual increase in atmospheric temperature in the recent past, which is attributed to climate change and global warming. Despite the slight resistance to melting compared to the arctic ice, it is general knowledge that industrialization and human activities have hurt the ecosystem of the Antarctica region. Currently, there is a collapse of ice shelves with retreating glaciers and ice levels. The global warming impact on the Antarctic Peninsula has resulted in physical and living environment modifications. Penguin colonies have slightly declined while alien plant species have started to colonize the area.
The Antarctica region is vital for science as a concern in climate change and ocean systems. The ice content can cause a massive rise in sea level in case of increased melting as a result of the climate effect. Ice shelves constrain the flow of land ice into the ocean. In a situation where the shelves break, glaciers from the land surface flow into the sea, leading to a significant increase in sea levels. Studies of Antarctica help in the accurate prediction of future climate changes and provide information for policies that will avert future disasters.
Antarctica Should Be Left Alone
Human acts have proven to be a threat to the existence of Antarctica’s flora and fauna. Antarctic tourism psychologically affects penguins that do not recognize people as part of them. Automobiles such as ships and planes used by tourists emit carbon gases and fumes that contribute to global warming and the weakening of the ice shelves. Tourism encourages improper waste dumping, which in the long run will pollute the sea and the environment and lead to the emission of greenhouse gases. Animals, the same as humans, experience mental health issues due to external interference. Scenarios, where tourists take pictures with penguins should be seen as stressors to these animals. This ought to stop, and Antarctica is solely left for the animals. The current analysis of Antarctica portrays a picture of slow emerging human interference.
When humans visit Antarctica, they introduce new species of organisms either from ships, clothing, or many other ways. These organisms, such as pests and rats, become predators to native ground-nesting birds that cannot defend themselves. Even though Antarctica was declared rat-free, it would not take long before the rodents emerged if large-scale human habitation was allowed. Some native animal species are on the verge of extinction for economic purposes, accidentally killed by humans, or contaminated by the soil where they live. Oil, gas, and mineral explorations are possible if humans can carry out such activities. These activities carry an adverse impact on environmental preservation.
Exploitation will necessitate the introduction of heavy machinery and even set up industries in the area, which will further erode Antarctica’s significance. The development of scientific research laboratories and infrastructure will further erode Antarctica. Research laboratories such as high-level microbiology labs will introduce destructive microorganisms to a naïve environment that won’t cope with such stress. In conclusion, science, tourism, and human activities can damage the attractions that draw them to Antarctica.