Antarctica Slides into Climate Crisis: Scientists Detect "Tipping Point" of No Return

Antarctica May Have Crossed a Climate Tipping Point, Raising Concerns for Rising Seas LONDON (AP) - Scientists warn that Antarctica may have passed a climate tipping point of no return, with mounting evidence suggesting a sudden slump in sea ice formation since 2016 is linked to human-induced ocean warming. The alarming trend has left researchers scrambling to explain the speed and magnitude of the decline. According to data presented at a recent meeting of scientists at the Royal Society in London, Antarctic sea ice levels have been plummeting since 2016, with February 2023 setting a new record minimum for low sea ice. This marks the third consecutive summer of record-breaking lows, with September 2023 also witnessing a record-low maximum for Antarctic sea ice. "This is not just a natural fluctuation," said Marilyn Raphael, a climate scientist at the University of California, San Diego. "The speed and magnitude of the decline since 2016 cannot be explained by natural variability in climate and weather." Raphael's comments were echoed by other experts who attended the meeting, including Dr. Eric Steig, a climatologist at the University of Washington. "We've been warning about this for years," Steig said. "The Antarctic ice sheet is highly sensitive to changes in ocean temperature, and it seems that we're now seeing the effects of human-induced warming." Background research suggests that Antarctica's sea ice levels had remained relatively stable despite rising global temperatures until 2016. However, since then, the extent of sea ice has been rapidly declining. The implications of this trend are far-reaching, with experts warning that a collapse of the Antarctic ice sheet could lead to catastrophic sea-level rise. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a complete collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet would raise global sea levels by up to 3 meters (10 feet). The meeting at the Royal Society brought together experts from around the world to discuss the recent changes in Antarctica's climate and their potential consequences. The gathering highlighted the urgent need for further research into the causes and effects of this trend. As the international community grapples with the challenges posed by climate change, the situation in Antarctica serves as a stark reminder of the need for collective action. "We're at a critical juncture," said Raphael. "It's time to take immediate and sustained action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change." The next steps will involve further research into the causes of the Antarctic ice sheet's decline, as well as efforts to develop strategies for mitigating its potential consequences. As the world waits with bated breath, one thing is clear: the fate of Antarctica's ice sheet hangs in the balance. Associated Press writers contributed to this report from London and Washington, D.C. *Reporting by Newscientist.*