Black carbon pollution from tourism and research increasing Antarctic snowmelt, study says

Pollution generated by burning fossil fuels causes snow to darken, absorb more solar energy and melt faster

• Antarctic sea ice falls to lowest level since measurements began in 1979
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Black carbon pollution from tourism and research activities in Antarctica is likely increasing snowmelt on the continent by an estimated 83 tonnes for each visitor, according to new research.

Scientists have estimated that the black carbon produced by vessels, planes and diesel generators results in 23mm of additional snowmelt each summer in the most frequently visited areas of the ice-covered landmass.

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