Human effects on Antarctica: Change to save or Die trying
Imagine sailing by the tip of lady liberty’s torch. Well, this is scheduled to happen within the next 100 years. Antarctica, one of the world’s greatest continents is facing destruction from: global warming, rising waters, pollution, and invasive species. Over the past 50 years, scientists have observed the damage done to the continent and have deemed it irreversible. Overheating has caused Antarctica’s surface area to decline and its ice to melt. A result of the melting and overheating is a rise in the surrounding water. In addition, the invasive species that have been introduced are beginning to survive, adapt, and take over the land. Alongside these challenges, pollution is a …show more content…
Since the beginning of exploration countless species are constantly being introduced to the continent. Some species don’t survive the harsh climate; however there are some non-native plants and animals that can. Interestingly, Antarctica isn’t the first place the invaders have taken over: “Some of these species have already proven to be invasive in the other places.” (qtd in Powell). This says something about the specie and just how adaptable some plants and animals are. Although there are some preventable actions being done, many species continue to be introduced through tourism and food imports. With the destruction of other wildernesses, Antarctica has become a highly desired destination spot. With all of the extra attention many people don’t realize they are aiding the invaders. Kim Crosbie, a polar ecologist says, “Everyone has a favorite jacket, and there’s a tendency for staff to wear the same gear a lot and not clean it as much,” (Powell). This proves that even harmless tourists aren’t so harmless. In addition to tourism, imported food also carries invaders: “’[a]bout 12 percent of all fresh food items traveling to Antarctica are contaminated’ says Dana Bergstrom, a polar ecologist with the Australia Antarctic Division in Kingston” (Powell). Looking at these statistics it’s unreasonable to say invaders can permanently be kept out, but there should still be more protection for the “last of the wild” (Shaw et. al)
Imagine sailing by the tip of lady liberty’s torch. Well, this is scheduled to happen within the next 100 years. Antarctica, one of the world’s greatest continents is facing destruction from: global warming, rising waters, pollution, and invasive species. Over the past 50 years, scientists have observed the damage done to the continent and have deemed it irreversible. Overheating has caused Antarctica’s surface area to decline and its ice to melt. A result of the melting and overheating is a rise in the surrounding water. In addition, the invasive species that have been introduced are beginning to survive, adapt, and take over the land. Alongside these challenges, pollution is a …show more content…
Since the beginning of exploration countless species are constantly being introduced to the continent. Some species don’t survive the harsh climate; however there are some non-native plants and animals that can. Interestingly, Antarctica isn’t the first place the invaders have taken over: “Some of these species have already proven to be invasive in the other places.” (qtd in Powell). This says something about the specie and just how adaptable some plants and animals are. Although there are some preventable actions being done, many species continue to be introduced through tourism and food imports. With the destruction of other wildernesses, Antarctica has become a highly desired destination spot. With all of the extra attention many people don’t realize they are aiding the invaders. Kim Crosbie, a polar ecologist says, “Everyone has a favorite jacket, and there’s a tendency for staff to wear the same gear a lot and not clean it as much,” (Powell). This proves that even harmless tourists aren’t so harmless. In addition to tourism, imported food also carries invaders: “’[a]bout 12 percent of all fresh food items traveling to Antarctica are contaminated’ says Dana Bergstrom, a polar ecologist with the Australia Antarctic Division in Kingston” (Powell). Looking at these statistics it’s unreasonable to say invaders can permanently be kept out, but there should still be more protection for the “last of the wild” (Shaw et. al)