Antarctic Peninsula ecosystems at risk as climate change accelerates.
The Antarctic Peninsula Region is warming rapidly due to climate change and human activities, leading to changes in terrestrial ecosystems. Glaciers are retreating, snow and permafrost are disappearing, and ice-free areas are increasing. This has resulted in more complex soil processes, biotic communities, and food webs. However, human activities in ice-free areas pose threats like pollution and disturbance to wildlife. Introducing non-native species and chemicals could harm the unique ecosystems of the Antarctic Peninsula Region. It is important to monitor and protect these ecosystems to prevent irreversible damage.