Antarctica's wildlife under pressure from plastic waste, climate change
 

ANTARCTICA, 6 March (BelTA - Anadolu) - Wildlife in Antarctica is facing growing pressure from plastic waste climate change and disease risks carried by migratory birds researchers from Türkiye’s Antarctic science expedition said on World Wildlife Day.

The findings were shared by scientists participating in the 10th National Antarctic Science Expedition conducted under the auspices of the Presidency and coordinated by the Polar Research Institute at the TUBITAK Marmara Research Center under the Industry and Technology Ministry.

Scientists said environmental cleanup and biosecurity work carried out during the expedition reflects Türkiye’s “The World is Our Common Home” motto and the Zero Waste policy emphasizing that environmental protection requires global responsibility.

They stressed that Antarctica despite having no permanent human settlements is increasingly affected by global pollution and climate change.

Researchers said the polar ecosystem is shaped not only by natural processes but also by environmental pressures created by human activity across the world.

Scientists also noted that environmental changes recorded in Antarctica are closely linked to the future of the global ecosystem.

Türkiye to host COP31

Professor Burcu Ozsoy coordinator of the 10th National Antarctic Science Expedition said scientific research shows polar regions are among the areas most severely affected by climate change and highlighted the importance of COP31.

She noted that parties to the Paris Agreement have pledged to adopt systems aimed at neutralizing and offsetting carbon emissions. Ozsoy said the COP31 meeting to be held in Türkiye will serve as a key platform where countries assess climate commitments and evaluate progress in addressing global warming.

“COP31 being held in Türkiye is extremely valuable, because all the countries of the world will be coming to Türkiye to discuss the climate and the climate crisis,” she said.