HEATWAVE HITS ANTARCTICA

ALASKA: Climate scientists have recorded the first heatwave at a research base in East Antarctica, warning that such “unprecedented” temperatures could impact animals and plant life in the region.

Researchers from the Australian Antarctic Program recorded the heatwave at the Casey Research Station — located on the northern part of Bailey Peninsula on the Budd Coast — between January 23 and 26, which falls in the region’s summer season.

Over the course of the three days, experts found the area to be experiencing “its highest temperature ever,” journaling a record of 9.2 degrees

Celsius or C (48.6 degrees Fahrenheit or F) at Casey on January 24.

During the three days, minimum temperatures climbed above zero and maximum temperatures reached above 7.5 C (45.5 F).

“Heatwaves are classified as three consecutive days with both extreme maximum and minimum temperatures,” biologist Dr. Sharon Robinson said in the research, which was published in the

journal on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila).

Scientists say temperatures above zero accelerate ice melt. The Antarctic region is heating up rapidly because of heat-trapping gas pollution from humans. Warming observed in the area has serious global consequences, especially for the millions of people living on the world’s coasts who are vulnerable to sea level rise.

Antarctic ecologist Dr. Dana Bergstrom warned that the warm summer could result in long-term disruption to local populations and communities, and pose a threat to the broader ecosystem.

“Most life exists in small ice-free oases in Antarctica and largely depends on melting snow and ice for their water supply,” Bergstrom said.