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.
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