Emperor penguins may disappear by the end of the century
Global warming and climate change on Earth may lead to the extinction of about 65% of the species of living organisms in Antarctica by 2100. Among the most vulnerable species are emperor penguins, according to a study published in the PLOS Biology journal.
The results of the scientists' work have shown that the disappearance of ice threatens most plant and animal species in the region. Emperor penguins and Adelie penguins rely on ice from April to December to nest their young. If the ice melts earlier or freezes later, penguins complete their reproductive cycle, which will lead these species to extinction.
Also, the living organisms of this continent are badly affected by Land pollution and emissions from fossil fuels. The scientists noted that the current efforts to preserve Antarctica are not working due to abrupt changes on the continent.
"Antarctica doesn't really contribute to climate change; there aren't a lot of people living there, so the biggest threat to the continent comes from outside the continent. We really need global action on climate change, as well as additional local and regional conservation efforts to give Antarctic species the best chance of survival in the future," said lead author of the study Jasmine Liv.
ORIENT news
Photo: unsplash.com
