"It's Too Hot for Me" Emperor Penguins in Antarctica Are Endangered

Study: "Extinction by 2100 Due to Global Warming"

A study has revealed that due to global warming, Emperor Penguins in Antarctica could be virtually extinct by 2100. The conclusion is that joint efforts from the international community are essential to prevent this worst-case scenario.

An international research team from 28 institutions across 12 countries analyzed in a paper published on the 22nd (local time) in the open-access scientific journal PLOS Biology of the Public Library of Science (PLOS) that 65% of native Antarctic flora and fauna could face extinction risk by 2100.

Emperor Penguin. Photo by Asia Economy DB

The animal expected to suffer the most severe damage in this paper is the iconic Antarctic Emperor Penguin. According to current trends, 80% of Emperor Penguin colonies will be destroyed by 2100, and their population will decrease by more than 90% compared to now, reaching a state of virtual extinction.

The Emperor Penguin is a large penguin growing over 120 cm tall, famous for its breeding method where a male and female pair take turns incubating eggs on the Antarctic ice sheet. Penguins devote themselves to raising chicks from April to August, but due to warming, if the Antarctic ice freezes too late or melts early, their habitat shrinks, leading to a decline in population.

The research team pointed out that not only Emperor Penguins but also various native Antarctic species such as Adelie Penguins and Chinstrap Penguins are being directly hit by global warming. They urged that international efforts are necessary to preserve Antarctic biodiversity.

The researchers argued that if temperature rise is limited to less than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels according to the 2015 Paris Agreement, the survival chances of penguins could significantly improve. They also stated that by investing about $20 million annually, totaling approximately $1.92 billion by 2100, to implement a "risk management strategy," it could help prevent the extinction of 84% of native Antarctic species.

This amount corresponds to 0.004% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2019.

Additionally, the research team conveyed that minimizing human activities in Antarctica, refraining from constructing new infrastructure, and preventing the invasion of alien species and diseases could also help prevent the extinction of flora and fauna.

Dr. Jasmine Lee, the lead author of the study from the British Antarctic Survey, told CNN, "The threats facing Antarctica all come from outside the continent, not from within." She emphasized, "Global efforts to curb climate change are necessary, along with conservation efforts tailored to each region."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.