Scientists have discovered that penguin poop is playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change. Ammonia in the guano reacts with gases from phytoplankton, increasing aerosol formation which contributes to cloud creation. This process can help reduce surface temperatures and prevent sea ice melting.
Researchers measured ammonia concentrations near a 60,000 Adelie penguin colony in Antarctica over two months. When wind blew from the direction of the colony, ammonia levels increased 1,000 times higher than baseline values. Even after the penguins migrated, the remaining poop continued to emit ammonia, affecting aerosol particle concentration.
The increased aerosol particles led to a dense fog lasting three hours. This finding highlights the connection between ecosystem processes and atmospheric changes that can impact local climates. Understanding these connections is crucial for predicting climate change in other regions of the world, as Antarctica’s ice, ocean, and ecosystems play a significant role in regulating global temperatures.
This research emphasizes the importance of protecting native ecosystems and biodiversity in mitigating climate change. As the Thwaites glacier, also known as the “Doomsday Glacier,” melts rapidly, it could contribute to 10 feet of sea level rise if not addressed.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/US/penguin-poop-mitigate-climate-change/story?id=122032611