A recent study by the British Antarctic Survey reveals that iconic emperor penguins are facing a dire threat of “quasi-extinction” due to rapid sea ice reduction in Antarctica. Unprecedentedly low breeding rates have been observed among emperor penguin colonies, with 90% predicted to be quasi-extinct by the century’s end under current global warming trends. These penguins depend entirely on stable sea ice for breeding, but diminishing ice and premature retreat have led to chicks not surviving. The study highlights the urgent need to address climate change to safeguard the emperor penguins’ survival.
Terms/Facts for UPSC Prelims
- Emperor Penguins: These are large penguins native to Antarctica, known for their unique breeding habits and reliance on stable sea ice for raising their chicks.
- Sea Ice: Frozen seawater that covers ocean surfaces, crucial for various polar ecosystems and species like emperor penguins for breeding and hunting.
- Global Warming Trajectory: The projected path of rising global temperatures due to increased greenhouse gas emissions, impacting ecosystems and species worldwide.
- Satellite Imagery: Images captured by satellites orbiting Earth, used to monitor environmental changes, including shifts in sea ice cover and penguin habitats.
- Arctic Summers Ice-Free Projection: Scientific prediction suggesting that Arctic summers could experience ice-free conditions by the 2030s, highlighting the rapid impact of climate change on polar ice
