Just Back from Antarctica: Why Climate Change Is Impacting Us Now – Insights from Jennifer Verduin

Antarctica is often imagined as a wild, untouched place. However, its reality is more complex than that. This frozen continent is surrounded by the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, which connects all of the world’s oceans, highlighting how interconnected our planet truly is.

This year, I joined over 100 scientists on an adventure to Antarctica. We saw breathtaking icebergs, curious penguins, and acrobatic whales. Yet, beneath this beauty lies a troubling truth: Antarctica is changing faster than we think. My experience left me both amazed and concerned.

Antarctica’s unique environment shows us how fragile our planet is. Its pristine landscapes and vibrant wildlife are at risk if we don’t act swiftly to reduce human impact. Historically, Antarctica faced serious threats from hunters targeting whales and seals, leaving lasting scars on its ecosystems. While some wildlife is rebounding, new dangers like climate change are emerging. Rising ocean temperatures are melting ice and disrupting habitats, threatening the delicate balance of life.

The continent represents the urgency of conservation efforts. During our journey, we visited research stations and Port Lockroy, where gentoo penguins raise their young. Here, human activity is carefully managed: half of the island is left for penguins, while the other half welcomes about 18,000 tourists yearly who come to learn. This model demonstrates how we can coexist with nature responsibly.

We observed various wildlife in their habitats, from seals to seabirds. Albatrosses and cape petrels soared alongside our ship, symbols of both resilience and fragility. However, reminders of past damages linger. At Deception Island, rusted remains from the whaling era starkly illustrate the consequences of exploitation. They remind us why protecting these fragile ecosystems is so important.

As an oceanographer, I study how oceans shape our world, and Antarctica is crucial to this story. The Antarctic Circumpolar Current connects the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic oceans. Changes in Antarctica’s environment affect us all, as pollution and warming seas know no boundaries. These factors disrupt ocean currents and harm marine life, influencing climate systems globally. According to a recent study, this current could slow down by 20% by 2050 if emissions continue to rise (source: [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/03/antarctic-circumpolar-current-slow-down-ice-melting-climate)).

For Australia and other nations, the lesson is clear. We must adopt sustainable practices and invest in renewable energy. By reducing carbon emissions and learning from past mistakes, we can help safeguard Antarctica and our planet for generations to come.

My journey to Antarctica was about more than just witnessing climate change. It was about understanding the deep connections that bind our world. This adventure isn’t just about excitement; it aims to raise awareness of science’s power and collective action’s potential to drive real change.

Antarctica, with all its beauty and vulnerability, reminds us of what’s at stake. The urgency is real, and the responsibility is ours. Together, we can work to protect this extraordinary planet.

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