By: ATN News
Antarctica, often referred to as the "sleeping giant," is presently stirring from its slumber due to the unsettling effects of climate chaos, as cautioned by the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres.
During his current visit to Antarctica, Guterres witnessed firsthand the profound impact of climate change on the southernmost continent, predominantly characterized by its vast ice cover.
Guterres emphasized the escalating consequences of fossil fuel pollution, asserting that it is heating the planet and triggering climate anarchy in Antarctica. He underscored that the Southern Ocean bears the brunt of global warming, resulting in unprecedented ice melting into the ocean. This, in turn, contributes to a surge in sea levels at alarming rates.
The ramifications of this environmental upheaval are far-reaching, posing direct threats to the lives
and livelihoods of individuals residing in coastal communities worldwide. Guterres highlighted the grim reality that homes in these areas are becoming uninsurable, and the very existence of small island states is jeopardized.
One of the striking indicators of the ecological crisis is the record low level of Antarctic sea ice. Recent data reveals that in September alone, it was 1.5 million square kilometers smaller than the average for that time of year—an expanse roughly equivalent to the combined size of Portugal, Spain, France, and Germany.
Guterres drew attention to the rapid melting of the Greenland ice sheet, losing more than 250 gigatons of ice annually. He stressed the interconnectedness of these events, emphasizing that the repercussions of Antarctic developments extend far beyond its icy borders.
The Secretary-General delivered a compelling appeal to world leaders scheduled to convene at the COP28 climate change conference in Dubai next week. He implored them to take immediate action to curtail the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, recognizing the critical importance of mitigating climate chaos. Furthermore, Guterres urged leaders to usher in the end of the fossil fuel age, cautioning against the irreversible loss of hopes for a sustainable planet.
This urgent call to action resonated with the Secretary-General's visit to the Professor Julio Escudero research base on Saturday, where he engaged with scientists providing critical insights into the unfolding environmental crisis. In the face of this momentous challenge, Guterres emphasized the necessity for decisive measures, underscoring that the fate of Antarctica holds profound implications for the entire planet.
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