Climatastrophe
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Climatastrophe
Information on climate change to help create a greener world
Prince Albert Of Monaco - First To Both Poles
Some scientists claim Antarctica appears to be melting - and Prince Albert of Monaco is doing his part to try and stop it.
It's another attempt in Albert's campaign to raise awareness about the impact of global warming. Antarctica is primarily composed of ice. Ninety eight percent of the continent is frozen. The fact that 70 percent of the entire world's fresh water stores lie frozen within that ice covering has scientists worried. A major meltdown could lead to a rise of 60 meters in sea levels and a severe loss of fresh water.
Prince Albert II of Monaco took up the cause of global warming when he became Monaco's sovereign in 2005. One of his first official appointments in defence of the environment was as UN International Patron of the Year of the Dolphin in 2007. He represented the voice of the United Nations Convention on Migratory Species, which declared 2007 as the year to highlight the plight of the dolphin.
Dolphins are an important part of the marine ecosystem. The eradication of the dolphin is likely to lead to the eradication of numerous other marine species. The implications could be catastrophic. Prince Albert II launched the Year of the Dolphin with a promise to 'renew [his] firm commitment towards biodiversity.'
His current trip to Antarctica comes as no surprise to most. Prince Albert left in early January to witness first hand the complications of global warming. The monarch plans to visit a total of 26 scientific outposts during his month-long visit. Consultation with climate change experts from 18 different countries is also on his agenda. Scientists hope that the prince will use his influence to help bring about change and preservation in Antarctica.
The world's coldest continent is home to just a small handful of humans. Most are scientists and researchers studying everything from geology, to biology, to climate and weather. Up to 5,000 researchers staff Antarctica's outposts and research centers, depending on the season. Prince Albert's visit will undoubtedly be a welcome and warm visit in the frigid region.
The most important residents of the continent are its unique flora and fauna, along with its oxygen-breathing species like seals and penguins. Should a major meltdown occur in Antarctica, the results could be catastrophic for such species.
Monaco became the 47th signatory of the Antarctic Treaty in May of 2008. The Antarctic Treaty is an agreement between nations to protect the interests of Antarctica, the world's only continent with no native human population.
Prince Albert undertook a similar expedition in 2006 when he left Monaco and Monte Carlo's Casino Square to visit the North Pole. His visit to Antarctica appears to be further evidence of his commitment to the environment. He has become, in his young reign, a vocal advocate for stewardship of the environment and for marine biodiversity in particular.
Prince Albert will no doubt continue on his quest to curb global warming. Royal watchers and environmentalists continue to carefully monitor his influence and speculate where he might turn up next on his campaign trail.
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