Study: Penguin Poo Plays Surprising Role in Climate Resilience
Penguin excreta is insulating planet Earth from global warming.
However, penguin colonies are reeling under the impact of the climate crisis, facing dislocation and threats to their habitat.
The Antarctic region is warming on an unprecedented scale, affecting the ability of carbon-sucking marine plants and other natural systems to function.
One of the world's cutest animals is playing a larger role in reducing the impacts of climate change through its droppings, reveals a new study.
The study published in Communications Earth & Environment found that penguin poo or guano releases ammonia, which, in turn, forms clouds over Antarctica, functioning like a shield in the region.
What do they do? Well, these clouds reflect sunlight and keep the area cooler, possibly preventing the ice from melting.
The researchers from the University of Helsinki observed this while studying air near a large Adélie penguin colony for two months. They said that as the wind blew from the colony, the ammonia level soared more than 1,000 times. This ammonia then reacts with other gases emitted by marine phytoplankton, helping to form tiny particles that create clouds.
READ MORE: Climate Change-Induced Fires Charred Vast Forest Covers, Data Shows
The scientists also observed that even the remnants of guano released ammonia after the penguins had left.
The study is a significant discovery in recent times, helping us understand how animals like penguins and marine plants are performing their duties well to reverse the trend of climate change and how important it is to protect these birds and plants in the fight against climate change.
But these species are on the back foot as human activities elsewhere are warming the Earth at a faster pace, melting the ice, and eventually dislocating the wildlife and disrupting natural systems.
Antarctica is widely regarded as the saviour of the planet from climate change as it stores more carbon through sea plants, influences ocean currents, and reflects a lot of heat. But the region is also facing a massive threat and warming faster. Scientists point out that if the gigantic Thwaites Glacier collapses, it could increase sea levels by up to three metres.
So, what’s the solution?
The only feasible solution—or what we can do at the moment—is to make maximum use of the available climate technologies, as they are the most effective way to act as a chokehold on the climate crisis and help protect our natural systems.
ALSO READ: Climate Technology: The Path to Net Zero and Sustainability
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Source: euronews
