Antarctic marine species and ecosystems face an uncertain future, especially those that live in close association with ice. This event was organized by WWF-UK and illuminated the plight of emperor penguins, a species that is gravely threatened by the climate-driven disappearance of Antarctic sea ice. The abundance of these penguins may decline by 99% under a high-emissions scenario. In contrast, if global temperature rise remains within the 1.5°C limit of the Paris Agreement, emperors may only lose one-third of their total population. Only ambitious global climate and environmental policy can help safeguard the future of these icons on ice. Rod Downie, Chief Polar Advisor for WWF-UK, moderated this session. Presenters include Professor Dame Jane Francis, Director of British Antarctic Survey, Dame Commander of the DCMG in recognition of services to polar science and diplomacy, Chancellor of the University of Leeds; Dr. Michelle LaRue, Associate Professor of Antarctic Marine Science at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha (University of Canterbury), Aotearoa New Zealand; Dr. Stephanie Jenouvrier, Associate Scientist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution; and Jane Rumble, Head of the Polar Regions Department for the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
International Cryosphere Climate Initiative, 22 April 2026 A white paper entitled Barriers to Glaciers-Related Financing:…
As a part of IYGP, the text for the White Paper was released last November…
Nature Communications, 1 April 2026 A growing network of meltwater lakes along the edge of…
Nature Communications, 6 April 2026 Arctic warming increases the amount of iron draining out of…
Nature Climate Change, 30 March 2026 Rising temperatures increase the frequency of retrogressive thaw slumps…
Nature Communications, 30 March 2026 Surface melting in Antarctica is projected to increase this century,…