Slimming odds for emperor penguin (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

Emperor penguins, whose long treks across Antarctic ice to mate have been immortalised by Hollywood, are heading towards extinction, scientists say.

Based on predictions of sea ice extent from climate change models, the penguins are likely to see their numbers plummet by 95% by 2100.

That corresponds to a decline to just 600 breeding pairs in the world.

The research is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Emperor penguins, the largest species, are unique in that they are the only penguins that breed during the harsh Antarctic winters.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7851276.stm

[GCP]

1. Damn. That really distresses me

I know species come and go, but our effect on the Earth is just too damaging. We're a species which has just over-run its natural habitat, like a swarm of nasty bacteria on the face of the Earth.

[stuntcat]

2. I think,

I think about half of the species of penguins have been threatened the past few years. But the emperors..? This is a buffalo in the coal mine, this is horrifying.

[jpak]

3. Oh pshaw

Every right thinking 'Merican and guardian of truth knows there is climate change or extinction crisis.

I read it right here on DU.

:puke:

[stuntcat]

4. "the extinction folly" they called it

right here on DU.

As if it's a joyous party.