The head of the Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science, Prof Matt King, has urged the Albanese government to allocate more attention and funding to research on abrupt changes occurring in Antarctica. He expressed concerns about the lack of understanding regarding the local and global impacts of significant changes, such as the historic drop in floating sea ice cover, accelerating melting of ice sheets, and the slowing of the Southern Ocean overturning circulation. Prof King highlighted the potential consequences for temperature, rainfall patterns, and sea level rise along the Australian coast.
Australia currently allocates only tens of millions of dollars a year to Antarctic research, with much of the funding going towards building and maintaining infrastructure. Prof King emphasized the need for increased funding to better comprehend the transformations taking place in Antarctica, as they could have far-reaching implications for the Australian economy and global systems. He called for a champion in the government who could drive a comprehensive agenda for Antarctic research, considering it as an all-of-government problem rather than just an environmental one.
The changes in the Antarctic region, including a historic drop in sea ice cover and slowing ocean circulation, have raised serious concerns about the region’s immediate health and its long-term implications due to climate change. Prof King emphasized the importance of addressing the gaps in knowledge, especially concerning West Antarctica, continental shelves, and the Southern Ocean seabed. The ongoing changes could impact weather patterns, sea level rise, and marine life, making it crucial to invest in comprehensive research to understand and mitigate the potential risks.
Prof Matt King’s concerns about the lack of understanding regarding Antarctic changes, including the historic drop in sea ice cover and melting ice sheets, underscore the urgency of addressing these issues. The impact of these changes extends beyond Antarctica, affecting global climate systems and sea levels. Australia, being in close proximity, has a vested interest in comprehensively studying and understanding these transformations, given their potential to influence local weather patterns and contribute to sea level rise along the Australian coast.
The current allocation of funding for Antarctic research in Australia is deemed inadequate to address the scale and complexity of the challenges posed by these changes. Prof King advocates for a significant increase in funding to support long-term research initiatives. He emphasizes the need for multiple icebreakers or autonomous robotic ships to undertake the extensive research required, and he highlights the limitations of relying on incomplete scientific models, especially for West Antarctica.
The recent discovery of a deep canyon near Casey station underscores the gaps in knowledge about the Southern Ocean seabed. While noteworthy, it highlights the need for dedicated research trips to explore critical seabed areas, especially considering the potential impacts of changing ocean dynamics in the region.
The consequences of sea ice loss, melting glaciers, and alterations in carbon dioxide absorption by the Southern Ocean are multifaceted. Prof King’s research on Antarctic glaciers losing an average of about 150 billion tonnes of ice annually raises concerns about the potential contribution to sea level rise and other climatic impacts. The findings emphasize the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the processes and potential risks associated with Antarctic changes.
In conclusion, Prof King’s call for increased attention and funding for Antarctic research is a vital reminder of the interconnectedness of global climate systems and the importance of studying remote regions like Antarctica to grasp the implications for Australia and the world. Addressing the gaps in knowledge and understanding the intricate processes in Antarctica is crucial for informed decision-making, policy development, and mitigating the impacts of climate change on a global scale.
