Why Antarctica’s emperor penguins could be extinct by 2100?

Why Antarctica’s emperor penguins could be extinct by 2100?

Context- Changing weather patterns due to climate change.

Highlights-

• Under a worst-case scenario, the populations of 97% of Antarctic terrestrial species and breeding seabirds could decline between now and 2100, if current conservation efforts stay on the same trajectory. At best, the populations of 37% of species would decline. The most likely scenario is a decline in 65% of the continent’s plants and wildlife by the year 2100.
• The new study, also found just USD 23 million per year would be enough to implement ten key strategies to reduce threats to Antarctica’s biodiversity.
• Study identified climate change as the biggest threat to Antarctica’s unique plant and animal species. Limiting global warming is the most effective way to secure their future. Antarctica’s land-based species have adapted to survive the coldest, windiest, highest, driest continent on Earth.
• The species includes two flowering plants, hardy moss and lichens, numerous microbes, tough invertebrates and hundreds of thousands of breeding seabirds, including the emperor and Adélie penguins.
• Antarctica also provides priceless services to the planet and humankind. It helps regulate the global climate by driving atmospheric circulation and ocean currents, and absorbing heat and carbon dioxide.
• As global warming worsens, Antarctica’s ice-free areas are predicted to expand, rapidly changing the habitat available for wildlife. And as extreme weather events such as heat waves become more frequent, Antarctica’s plants and animals are expected to suffer.
• Scientists and tourists visiting the icy continent each year can harm the environment through, for example, pollution and disturbing the ground or plants. Also, the combination of more human visitors and milder temperatures in Antarctica creates the conditions for invasive species to thrive.

(Credits- Britannica)

What are the provisions of Indian Antarctic Bill?

• Applicability: The provisions of the Bill will apply to any person, vessel or aircraft that is a part of an Indian expedition to Antarctica under a permit issued under the Bill.
• Central committee: The central government will establish a Committee on Antarctic Governance and Environmental Protection. 10 members (to be nominated from various ministries) + two experts (on the Antarctic) + chairman (Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Science). The functions of the Committee include:
  1. granting permits for various activities
  2. implementing and ensuring compliance of relevant international laws for protection of Antarctic environment
  3. obtaining and reviewing relevant information provided by parties to the Treaty, Convention, and Protocol
  4. negotiating fees/charges with other parties for activities in Antarctica.
• Need for permit: A permit by the Committee or written authorisation from another party to the Protocol (other than India) will be required for various activities such as: (i) an Indian expedition to enter or remain in Antarctica, (ii) a person to enter or remain in an Indian station in Antarctica, (iii) a vessel or aircraft registered in India to enter or remain in Antarctica, (iv) a person or vessel to drill, dredge or excavate for mineral resources, or collect samples of mineral resources, (v) activities which may harm native species, and (vi) waste disposal by a person, vessel or aircraft in Antarctica.
• Before a permit is granted by the Committee, the applicant has to carry out an environmental impact assessment of the proposed activities. Moreover, a permit must not be granted unless a waste management plan has been prepared for the expedition by the Committee.
• Prohibited activities: The Bill prohibits certain activities in Antarctica including:
  1. nuclear explosion or disposal of radioactive wastes,
  2. introduction of non-sterile soil, and
  3. discharge of garbage, plastic or other substances into the sea which is harmful to the marine environment.
• Offenses and penalties: The Bill specifies penalties for contravention of its provisions.

What is the history of India’s Arctic Engagement?

• The Antarctic treaty (signed in 1959 and implemented in 1961) made it mandatory for the 54 signatory countries to specific laws governing territories on which their stations are located. India signed the treaty in 1983
• The Indian Antarctic Programme is a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional programme under the control of the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research, Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• India maintains two research stations on the continent: Maitri and Bharati.

(Credits- coolantartica.com)

Way Forward- As Antarctica faces increasing pressure from climate change and human activities, a combination of regional and global conservation efforts is needed. Spending just USD 23 million a year to preserve Antarctica’s biodiversity and ecosystems is an absolute bargain.

Source- Indian Express

NEWS : Why Antarctica’s emperor penguins could be extinct by 2100?

Syllabus : Mains; GS-1; GS-3; Physical Geography; Climate change