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Plant Cover and Warming in the Antarctic Peninsula
Context:
A new study shows that plant cover on the Antarctic Peninsula has increased more than tenfold in recent decades due to rising temperatures.
More on News:
This study, published in Nature Geoscience marks the beginning of a “dramatic transformation” in this remote region.
Climate Change Impact:
- Warming Rates: A 2023 study in Nature Climate Change indicated that the continent is heating twice as fast as the global average, at a rate of 0.22 to 0.32℃ per decade.
- The Antarctic Peninsula is warming five times faster than the global average, with temperatures nearly 3℃ higher than in 1950.
- Heatwaves: This rapid warming has led to record-breaking heatwaves, particularly notable in July 2023, when ground temperatures soared up to 28℃ above normal.
- In March 2022, the continent experienced its most intense heatwave, with temperatures in East Antarctica reaching a staggering 39℃ above normal.
Ice Loss and Sea-Level Rise
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Key Findings:
- Using satellite imagery, researchers found that the extent of vegetation—primarily mosses and lichens—has increased 14 times over the past 35 years.
- In 1986, plant life covered less than 1 square kilometre of the approximately 500,000-square-kilometre peninsula, but by 2021, it expanded to nearly 12 square kilometres. Notably, the rate of greening accelerated by over 30% between 2016 and 2021.
- Despite the small actual area of vegetation, the percentage increase is significant, highlighting the profound impact of anthropogenic climate change even in such extreme environments.
Implications of Increased Vegetation:
- Soil Formation: Mosses can colonise bare rock, creating soil that could foster the growth of invasive species, threatening native flora and fauna.
- Invasive Species Risk: The changing landscape could make the continent more susceptible to non-native species, possibly introduced by visitors.
- Albedo Effect: More plant cover may reduce the Antarctic Peninsula’s ability to reflect sunlight, leading to greater absorption of solar energy and potentially higher local temperatures.
The Antarctic Treaty:
- Signing Date: The Antarctic Treaty was signed on December 1, 1959, in Washington, D.C.
- Initial Signatories: Twelve countries, whose scientists participated in the International Geophysical Year (IGY) of 1957-58, were the original signatories.
- Current Status: The Treaty entered into force in 1961 and has since been acceded to by additional nations, bringing the total number of Parties to 57.
- Key Provisions:
- Article I: Antarctica is designated for peaceful purposes only.
- Article II: Freedom of scientific investigation in Antarctica is guaranteed, along with cooperation among nations to further scientific research.
- Article III: Scientific observations and results from Antarctica must be exchanged and made freely available to all parties.
- Article IV: Territorial Claims:
- The Treaty addresses the complex issue of territorial claims.
- Seven countries (Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom) have overlapping territorial claims, while other nations do not recognise these claims.
- The U.S. and Russia maintain a “basis of claim.”
- The Article preserves the status quo, stating that no activities under the Treaty will assert or deny claims to territorial sovereignty or create rights of sovereignty.
- Article VII: To promote the Treaty’s objectives, all areas of Antarctica, including stations and equipment, must be open to inspection at all times.
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The Indian Antarctic Act, 2022, represents a significant step in India’s legal framework regarding its activities in Antarctica. This legislation is crucial for aligning India’s national laws with its international obligations under the Antarctic Treaty System. |
Conclusion:
The findings indicate that climate change is profoundly altering the Antarctic Peninsula’s environment, with significant implications for its ecosystems and global climate systems.