The unprecedented event took place in Antarctica. From the world's largest iceberg, A23, a fragment of 19 km long and 79 km2, comparable to the size of a large Polish city, broke off. This event sheds light on **global warming** and its impact on glaciers, as well as allows for interesting comparisons with processes taking place in Polish **geography**, although on a much smaller scale.
The A23 iceberg, 80 km long and an area of 3360 km2, drifts towards South Georgia, which is simply a key breeding area for earlets and penguins. ** The peeling of the fragment** is simply a worrying phenomenon, signaling the acceleration of the decay of the giant iceberg. Scientists have been observing A23 for years, and its stableness to date has been astonishing. Now, **disruption** suggests that **climate change** greatly accelerated destructive processes.
Impact on the ecosystem
The danger for the marine fauna** Antarctica is real. Although changing the course of the iceberg is unlikely, the breakdown into smaller fragments can facilitate animal navigation, reducing the hazard of imprisonment. However, **mass melting** affects **changes in sea level** worldwide, which is simply a global problem. Similarly, in Poland we observe the**melting of mountain glaciers**, although on a much smaller scale and with another reasons – mainly changes in hydrological conditions in the Tatras.
*Analogie in Poland – melting ice and the effects of climate change**
Although there are no icebergs of this scale in Poland, **climate changes** affect our **geography** in many ways. We observe **heavy temperature**, **more frequent drought**, as well as **more intense rainfall** and utmost phenomena. This leads to**changes in agriculture**, **increased dirt erosion** and **risks to biodiversity**. These changes are seen in the landscape**, in the river ecosystems** and coastal regions***, as well as in the functioning of cities**, which face the heat waves** and floods**.
Rivers and lakes in Poland – analogue to melting glaciers**
In Poland **changes in water levels** in rivers and lakes are the consequence of complex factors, including precipitation and evaporation. likewise to the**melting of glaciers** in Antarctica, we can observe **changes in river flow** – periods of drought bring down water levels and intense rainfall – floods. These changes affect river ecosystems** including fishing**, vegetation** and animals**. Like the collapse of the A23 iceberg, it can affect the marine fauna of Antarctica**, so the changes in river flow** affect the biodiversity in Poland**.
Monitoring and forecasting – request for action**
Just as scientists monitor the iceberg A23**, in Poland monitoring ** climate change** and its environmental impact** is conducted. Data collected by IMGW-PIB** will let better forecasting** of utmost phenomena and improvement of adaptation strategies** to changing conditions. It is crucial for the protection of the environment** and the safety ** of the inhabitants of Poland.
**Education and awareness – key to solving the problem**
Understanding**global warming** and its effects** is crucial for effective action. **Education** and the **growth of awareness** of society are essential for **changes in habits** and **the introduction of green solutions**. likewise to the reflection of the A23** iceberg, we should monitor changes in our surroundings** and take action to defend the environment**. Only joint efforts will let **to prevent the negative effects of climate change** and **to guarantee sustainable development**.
Read more:
**Gigantic iceberg A23 – threat to Antarctica and analogues in Poland**
