According to the research team, simulations have shown that fires in South America have an impact on the ice in Antarctica. Black carbon particles from fires in South America make their way to Antarctica. When soot settles on the ice, more sunlight is absorbed, causing the ice to melt faster. Impact of Tourism in Antarctica The effect has been intensified by the increasing tourism in Antarctica, as ships also emit similar particles, the researchers wrote. For their analysis, they evaluated data from the years between 2003 and 2008. According to the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO), the number of tourist ship voyages increased from less than 200 to up to 300 per season during this time. This number remained stable for a long time according to IAATO, but has been increasing since 2017, with the latest count reaching 540 ship voyages during the 2023/24 season. There were no such voyages during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the information. Ice Melting in the Antarctic Summer The study shows that the number of so-called melt days, which are the days when the Antarctic ice melts, has increased on the eastern side of the peninsula. The timing of the peak concentration of soot has also shifted. Before 2004, it was in September or October, parallel to the fire season in South America. Now, the peak is between November and February, coinciding with the tourism season and the fire season in Australia. During this time in Antarctica, it is summer – rising temperatures and increased sunlight, combined with the soot, lead to even more ice melting, according to experts. One argument often used to justify trips to Antarctica is that they raise awareness for the environment there. However, it was noted that this should not come at the cost of actual environmental damage. The researchers emphasized the need for sustainable practices to protect the fragile ecosystem of Antarctica.
