Frozen Beauty
The frozen southern pole is a haven for wildlife. Whales, seals and penguins feast in the Antarctic’s southern ocean As in the Arctic, climate change is having a greater impact on the Antarctic than other parts of the world. The southern latitudes are warming three times faster than elsewhere and glaciers are melting faster than they form, raising global sea levels. Less sea ice means penguins have to swim further to find foodIt’s one of the smallest ocean creatures that we should perhaps be most concerned about. Krill are tiny crustaceans, a bit like shrimp, which are vital for almost all Antarctic life. They provide food for many other species, including blue whales, humpback whales and Adélie penguins.
Climate change is causing problems for krill as well. They depend on the edges of the sea ice for food and shelter. Less ice means fewer areas in which krill can thrive. And as the oceans absorb more carbon dioxide, the water is becoming more acidic and krill struggle to develop properly.
Let everyone do something while we still can and future generations enjoy that frozen beauty as we do...
George, United States, Portland
