Emperor penguin populations falling ‘faster than we thought': researchers
'We've got this really depressing picture of climate change and falling populations even faster than we thought, but it's not too late,' said Peter Fretwell, of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), who led the study monitoring sixteen colonies, representing nearly a third of the global emperor penguin population.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Saudi Gazette
11-08-2025
- Saudi Gazette
British man who perished in Antarctic glacier found 65 years later
LONDON — The bones of a British man who died in a terrible accident in Antarctica in 1959 have been discovered in a melting glacier. The remains were found in January by a Polish Antarctic expedition, alongside a wristwatch, a radio, and a pipe. He has now been formally identified as Dennis "Tink" Bell, who fell into a crevasse aged 25 when working for the organisation that became the British Antarctic Survey. "I had long given up on finding my brother. It is just remarkable, astonishing. I can't get over it," David Bell, 86, tells BBC News. "Dennis was one of the many brave personnel who contributed to the early science and exploration of Antarctica under extraordinarily harsh conditions," says Professor Dame Jane Francis, director of the British Antarctic Survey . "Even though he was lost in 1959, his memory lived on among colleagues and in the legacy of polar research," she adds. It was David who answered the door in his family home in Harrow, London, in July 1959. "The telegram boy said, 'I'm sorry to tell you, but this is bad news'," he says. He went upstairs to tell his parents. "It was a horrendous moment," he adds. Talking to me from his home in Australia and sitting next to his wife Yvonne, David smiles as stories from his childhood in 1940s England spill out. They are the memories of a younger sibling admiring a charming, adventurous big brother. "Dennis was fantastic company. He was very amusing. The life and soul of wherever he happened to be," David says. "I still can't get over this, but one evening when me, my mother and father came home from the cinema," he says. "And I have to say this in fairness to Dennis, he had put a newspaper down on the kitchen table, but on top of it, he'd taken a motorbike engine apart and it was all over the table," he says. "I can remember his style of dress, he always used to wear duffel coats. He was just an average sort of fellow who enjoyed life," he adds. Dennis Bell, nicked-named "Tink", was born in 1934. He worked with the RAF and trained as a meteorologist, before joining the Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey to work in Antarctica. "He was obsessed with Scott's diaries," David says, referring to Captain Robert Scott who discovered the South Pole and died on an expedition in 1912. Dennis went to Antarctica in 1958. He was stationed for a two-year assignment at Admiralty Bay, a small UK base with about 12 men on King George Island, which is roughly 120 kilometres (75 miles) off the northern coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. The British Antarctica Survey keeps meticulous records and its archivist Ieuan Hopkins has dug out detailed base camp reports about Dennis's work and antics on the harsh and "ridiculously isolated" island. Reading aloud, Hopkins says: "He's cheerful and industrious, with a mischievous sense of humour and fondness for practical jokes." Dennis's job was to send up meteorological weather balloons and radio the reports to the UK every three hours, which involved firing up a generator in sub-zero conditions. Described as the best cook in the hut, he was in charge of the food store over the winter when no supplies could reach them. Antarctica felt even more cut off than it is today, with extremely limited contact with home. David recalls recording a Christmas message at BBC studios with his parents and sister Valerie to be sent to his brother. He was best known for his love of the husky dogs used to pull sledges around the island, and he raised two litters of dogs. British Antarctic Survey A black and white photograph of three men holding large husky dogs. British Antarctic Survey Dennis Bell, on the left, with dogs at the Admiralty Bay Station in 1959 He was also involved in surveying King George Island to produce some of the first mapping of the largely unexplored place. It was on a surveying trip that the accident happened, a few weeks after his 25th birthday. On 26 July 1959, in the deep Antarctic winter, Dennis and a man called Jeff Stokes left the base to climb and survey a glacier. Accounts in the British Antarctic Survey records explain what happened next and the desperate attempts to rescue him. The snow was deep and the dogs had started to show signs of tiredness. Dennis went on ahead alone to encourage them, but he wasn't wearing his skis. Suddenly he disappeared into a crevasse, leaving a hole behind him. According to the accounts, Jeff Stokes called into the depths and Dennis was able to shout back. He grabbed onto a rope that was lowered down. The dogs pulled on the rope and Dennis was hitched up to the lip of the hole. But he had tied the rope onto his belt, perhaps because of the angle he lay in. As he reached the lip, the belt broke and he fell again. His friend called again, but this time Dennis didn't reply. "That's a story I shall never get over," says David. The base camp reports about the accident are business-like. "We heard from Jeff [...] that yesterday Tink fell down a crevasse and was killed. We hope to return tomorrow, sea ice permitting," it continues. Hopkins explains that another man, called Alan Sharman, had died weeks earlier, and the morale was very low. "The sledge has got back. We heard the sad details. Jeff has badly bitten frostbitten hands. We are not taking any more risks to recover," the report reads the day after the accident. Reading the reports again, Hopkins discovered that earlier in the season, it had been Dennis who'd made the coffin for Alan Sharman. "My mother never really got over it. She couldn't handle photographs of him and couldn't talk about him," David says. He recalls that two men on Dennis's base visited the family, bringing a sheepskin as a gesture. "But there was no conclusion. There was no service; there was no anything. Just Dennis gone," David says. About 15 years ago, David was contacted by Rod Rhys Jones, chair of the British Antarctic Monument Trust. Since 1944, 29 people have died working on British Antarctic Territory on scientific missions, according to the trust. Rod was organising a voyage for relatives of some of the 29 to see the spectacular and remote place where their loved ones had lived and died. David joined the expedition, called South 2015. "The captain stopped at the locations and give four or five hoots of the siren," he says. The sea-ice was too thick for David to reach his brother's hut on King George Island. "But it was very, very moving. It lifted the pressure, a weight off my head, as it were," he says. It gave him a sense of closure. "And I thought that would be it," he says. But on 29 January this year, a team of Polish researchers working from the Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station stumbled across something practically on their doorstep. Dennis had been found. Some bones were in the loose ice and rocks deposited at the foot of Ecology Glacier on King George Island. Others were found on the glacier surface. The scientists explain that fresh snowfall was imminent, and they put down a GPS marker so their "fellow polar colleague" would not be lost again. A team of scientists made up of Piotr Kittel, Paulina Borówka and Artur Ginter at University of Lodz, Dariusz Puczko at the Polish Academy of Sciences and fellow researcher Artur Adamek carefully rescued the remains in four trips. It is a dangerous and unstable place, "criss-crossed with crevasses", and with slopes of up to 45 degrees, according to the Polish team. Climate change is causing dramatic changes to many Antarctic glaciers, including Ecology Glacier, which is undergoing intense melting. "The place where Dennis was found is not the same as the place where he went missing," the team explains. "Glaciers, under the influence of gravity, move their mass of ice, and with it, Dennis made his journey," they say. Fragments of bamboo ski poles, remains of an oil lamp, glass containers for cosmetics, and fragments from military tents were also collected. "Every effort was made to ensure that Dennis could return home," the team say. "It's an opportunity to reassess the contribution these men made, and an opportunity to promote science and what we've done in the Antarctic over many decades," adds Rod Rhys Jones. David still seems overwhelmed by the news, and repeats how grateful he is to the Polish scientists. "I'm just sad my parents never got to see this day," he says. David will soon visit England where he and his sister, Valerie, plan to finally put Dennis to rest. "It's wonderful; I'm going to meet my brother. You might say we shouldn't be thrilled, but we are. He's been found - he's come home now." — BBC
Arab News
08-08-2025
- Arab News
Safeguarding biodiversity in a warming world
As global temperatures continue to rise, the resulting biodiversity loss has become one of the most urgent and underappreciated climate challenges. Yet within this crisis lies a tremendous opportunity for nations to lead with innovation, foresight, and inclusivity. Saudi Arabia, through its Vision 2030 reforms, is uniquely positioned to offer a regional model for protecting nature while advancing climate resilience and sustainable development. According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, 2024 was the hottest year ever recorded globally, with the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts reporting an average surface temperature of 15.10 degrees Celsius — approximately 1.52 C above pre-industrial levels and 0.12 C warmer than 2023. This marks the first time global temperatures have exceeded the 1.5 C threshold for an entire calendar year, signaling an alarming acceleration in warming trends. Climate-induced warming is now one of the top five drivers of biodiversity loss, exacerbating other pressures such as land degradation and pollution. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that even small increases in global temperature can push entire ecosystems past tipping points, with desert, coastal, and coral reef ecosystems particularly vulnerable. The fact that each of the past two years set new records underscores the urgency of systemic climate action. In Saudi Arabia, biodiversity loss linked to climate change is increasingly visible. Marine heatwaves in the Red Sea have triggered extensive coral bleaching, affecting reefs that support more than 5,000 species, including fish, corals, invertebrates, marine mammals, seabirds, and mollusks, and contribute billions to the coastal economy. On land, extreme heat and reduced rainfall are accelerating desertification and shrinking the range of numerous native species such as the Arabian leopard, Asir magpie, and acacia trees. A recent study found that many Middle Eastern mammals may lose over 40 percent of their viable habitat by 2050 under high-emissions scenarios. Saudi Arabia is taking a proactive approach to environmental challenges. Through the Saudi Green Initiative, the Kingdom has placed nature-based solutions and climate adaptation at the heart of its national strategy. Since 2021, over 115 million native trees have been planted, more than 118,000 hectares have undergone ecological rehabilitation, and 18.1 percent of land has been designated for protection, with a goal to reach 30 percent by 2030. The role of science and technology in scaling these efforts is expanding rapidly. Saudi Arabia is integrating advanced tools such as LiDAR, hyperspectral imaging, and artificial intelligence-enabled species distribution models to identify climate-resilient restoration zones and track progress in real time. These tools allow conservation authorities to prioritize interventions where ecosystems can be most effectively protected or rehabilitated. At the heart of Saudi Arabia's environmental transformation is a growing conviction that protecting nature is essential to securing the nation's future. Adnan Masoudy & Hassan Alzain Local institutions such as the National Center for Wildlife and the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve have spearheaded the reintroduction of endangered species, including the Arabian oryx and houbara bustard, supported by climate-informed ecological planning. In parallel, marine biodiversity is being enhanced through coastal restoration, such as the regeneration of mangroves and seagrass beds, which not only store carbon but also buffer storm surges and enhance fisheries. These efforts are widely recognized as integral to Saudi Arabia's broader coastal resilience strategies. At the heart of Saudi Arabia's environmental transformation is a growing conviction that protecting nature is essential to securing the nation's future. Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife, captures this emerging sense of purpose. 'Our vision for the future is clear: a Saudi Arabia where wildlife thrives, habitats are restored, and the natural balance is maintained for the benefit of all,' he said recently. 'NCW's dedication to protecting Saudi Arabia's natural legacy remains unwavering. We are confident that, with continued effort and collaboration, we can build a future where the natural world is preserved for generations to come.' This vision underscores the critical link between biodiversity stewardship and climate resilience — and affirms that conservation is not a peripheral effort, but a national imperative and a central pillar of the Kingdom's long-term sustainable development, environmental security, and economic resilience. Moreover, experts in the region echo the importance of strategic integration. As Chris Boland, director of the Arabian Biodiversity Consultancy, notes: 'Climate change isn't just reshaping ecosystems — it's rewriting the rules of conservation. Saudi Arabia has a unique opportunity to unite traditional ecological wisdom with cutting-edge science to protect its species and landscapes. This is not only about conserving biodiversity, but about future-proofing the Kingdom's natural heritage in a rapidly warming world. It's now or never.' His insight underscores the need for adaptive, forward-thinking strategies that address the complexities of conservation under uncertainty. Saudi Arabia's ambitions are further strengthened by linking biodiversity with economic development. The Dasgupta Review emphasized that biodiversity must be treated as an asset, not an externality, in national accounts. In this spirit, the Kingdom is exploring biodiversity credits, conservation-linked bonds, and blended finance to attract private investment into restoration. These market mechanisms, coupled with sovereign green bonds, can align conservation goals with Vision 2030's broader diversification agenda. Adaptation frameworks are equally essential. Dynamic adaptive policy pathways and robust decision-making offer decision-makers the tools to navigate uncertainty, evaluate trade-offs, and update strategies as conditions evolve. These approaches, already used in water and urban planning, can be applied to biodiversity governance, helping Saudi Arabia optimize restoration under climate variability. Saudi Arabia, through its Vision 2030 reforms, is uniquely positioned to offer a regional model for protecting nature while advancing climate resilience and sustainable development. Adnan Masoudy & Hassan Alzain Public engagement is another critical pillar. Burgeoning community-led initiatives are improving rangeland management and enhancing traditional conservation practices. Incorporating indigenous knowledge into policy design ensures that local needs and ecological wisdom are respected, while increasing legitimacy and social buy-in. Three strategic steps can help position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in biodiversity protection by aligning conservation efforts with scientific best practices, international collaboration, and inclusive public engagement. First, develop a national biodiversity and climate resilience dashboard that integrates remote sensing, AI, and open-access tools to inform policymakers and the public. Second, scale partnerships with international initiatives such as the Global Biodiversity Framework, the Global Mangrove Alliance, and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration to access knowledge, finance, and innovation. Third, expand environmental literacy by embedding biodiversity education into national curricula and encouraging sensitive eco-tourism that fosters appreciation for native ecosystems. The benefits of these actions are both local and global. For example, a recent study published in Nature Sustainability estimates that effective ecosystem restoration in arid environments can increase water retention by up to 25 percent and reduce heat stress in nearby communities by as much as 4 C. Another study in Global Change Biology found that restoring mangroves can deliver co-benefits for biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and fisheries yield within just five years. Saudi Arabia's climate and environmental strategy reflects a growing international consensus: Protecting biodiversity is not only essential for ecological stability but also contributes directly to long-term sustainable development. Investing in biodiversity safeguards vital ecosystem services — such as clean water, fertile soils, pollination, and climate regulation — that underpin food security, health, and economic growth. As Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized during the launch of the Saudi Green Initiative in 2021, environmental stewardship is a foundation for intergenerational prosperity and global cooperation. Ultimately, climate action and biodiversity protection are two sides of the same coin. This linkage has been central to international frameworks such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Convention on Biological Diversity. The outcomes of the recent UN Biodiversity Conference, which led to the landmark Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework to conserve 30 percent of land and oceans by 2030, and UNFCCC COP29, which emphasized nature-based solutions and ecosystem resilience in adaptation planning, underscore the need for countries to adopt integrated strategies that address both crises simultaneously. Saudi Arabia's contributions to and alignment with these global goals demonstrate a strong commitment to the evolving agenda. While its progress remains comparable to many nations, its scale of ambition, particularly through the Saudi Green Initiative and ecological restoration pledges, places it in an increasingly influential position within international environmental discourse. • Adnan Masoudy is manager of corporate sustainability, environment, and biodiversity at Ma'aden. • Hassan Alzain is author of the award-winning book 'Green Gambit.'
Arab News
07-08-2025
- Arab News
Great Barrier Reef records largest annual coral loss in 39 years
MELBOURNE: The Great Barrier Reef has experienced its greatest annual loss of live coral across most of its expanse in four decades of record-keeping, Australian authorities say. But due to increasing coral cover since 2017, the coral deaths — caused mainly by bleaching last year associated with climate change — have left the area of living coral across the iconic reef system close to its long-term average, the Australian Institute of Marine Science said in its annual survey on Wednesday. The change underscores a new level of volatility on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the report said. Mike Emslie, who heads the tropical marine research agency's long-term monitoring program, said the live coral cover measured in 2024 was the largest recorded in 39 years of surveys. The losses from such a high base of coral cover had partially cushioned the serious climate impacts on the world's largest reef ecosystem, which covers 344,000 square kilometers (133,000 square miles) off the northeast Australian coast, he said. 'These are substantial impacts and evidence that the increasing frequency of coral bleaching is really starting to have detrimental effects on the Great Barrier Reef,' Emslie said on Thursday. 'While there's still a lot of coral cover out there, these are record declines that we have seen in any one year of monitoring,' he added. Emslie's agency divides the Great Barrier Reef, which extends 1,500 kilometers (900 miles) along the Queensland state coast, into three similarly-sized regions: northern, central and southern. Living coral cover shrunk by almost a third in the south in a year, a quarter in the north and by 14 percent in the central region, the report said. Because of record global heat in 2023 and 2024, the world is still going through its biggest — and fourth ever recorded — mass coral bleaching event on record, with heat stress hurting nearly 84 percent of the world's coral reef area, including the Great Barrier Reef, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's coral reef watch. So far at least 83 countries have been impacted. This bleaching event started in January 2023 and was declared a global crisis in April 2024. It easily eclipsed the previous biggest global coral bleaching event, from 2014 to 2017, when 68.2 percent had bleaching from heat stress. Large areas around Australia — but not the Great Barrier Reef — hit the maximum or near maximum of bleaching alert status during this latest event. Australia in March this year started aerial surveys of 281 reefs across the Torres Strait and the entire northern Great Barrier Reef and found widespread coral bleaching. Of the 281 reefs, 78 were more than 30 percent bleached. Coral has a hard time thriving and at times even surviving in prolonged hot water. They can survive short bursts, but once certain thresholds of weeks and high temperatures are passed, the coral is bleached, which means it turns white because it expels the algae that live in the tissue and give them their colors. Bleached corals are not dead, but they are weaker and more vulnerable to disease. Coral reefs often bounce back from these mass global bleaching events, but often they are not as strong as they were before. Coral reefs are considered a 'unique and threatened system' due to climate change and are especially vulnerable to global warming beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) since pre-industrial times, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change proclaimed in 2018. The world has now warmed 1.3 degrees Celsius since pre-industrial times. That report said 'tropical corals may be even more vulnerable to climate change than indicated in assessments made in 2014.' The report said back-to-back big bleaching events at the Great Barrier Reef in the mid 2010s 'suggest that the research community may have underestimated climate risks for coral reefs.' 'Warm water (tropical) coral reefs are projected to reach a very high risk of impact at 1.2°C, with most available evidence suggesting that coral-dominated ecosystems will be non-existent at this temperature or higher. At this point, coral abundance will be near zero at many locations,' the report said.
