Photo Credit: Pete Harmsen / AAD

With longer and warmer days upon us, there’s a real sense of spring in the air.

While our researchers work to analyse samples and data from the historic Denman Marine Voyage which returned in May, we’ve announced major research on abrupt changes unfolding in Antarctica, farewelled our Deputy Director, Professor Nerilie Abram, launched a new explainer series, achieved the milestone of 300+ published papers, developed new online resources for the Denman Marine Voyage and Denman Terrestrial Campaign, and shared the highlights of our 2024 Annual Report.

Even though ongoing funding weighs heavily on our minds, we continue to have constructive conversations with decision-makers and are encouraged by the wide-ranging support for our work.

We hope you enjoy exploring our latest news and stories – each one a step toward helping communities prepare for the climate risks emerging from East Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.

Photo Credit: Pete Harmsen / AAD

Abrupt changes taking place in Antarctica

We’re proud to showcase a major new study published in Nature, led by ACEAS's former Deputy Director, Professor Nerilie Abram from ANU (now Chief Scientist at the Australian Antarctic Division), alongside ACEAS co-author and Deputy Director, Professor Matthew England (UNSW), colleagues from each of Australia's major Antarctic research centres, and scientists from overseas. 

The research reveals that Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are undergoing abrupt, interconnected shifts – from dramatic sea-ice loss to weakening ice shelves and slowing ocean currents – posing significant risks to global sea-level rise, climate stability, and marine ecosystems. These self-amplifying, potentially irreversible changes underscore the need for global emissions reductions to stave off the worst consequences.

Read the original paper in Nature (paywall), the corresponding article in The Conversation, or the Policy Briefing developed to help translate the science into guidance for decision-makers.

Photo Credit: Pete Harmsen / AAD

Antarctica's role in keeping Earth habitable

Antarctica is more than a frozen wilderness – it is fundamental to Earth’s stability. Holding over 90% of the planet’s freshwater ice, influencing sea levels, weather patterns, and reflecting sunlight, the continent plays a key role in global climate regulation. But there is mounting evidence that Antarctica’s vital signs are showing signs of degradation: retreating glaciers in parts of both West and East Antarctica, record-low sea ice, weakening ocean circulation, and ecosystems under stress.

A new article in Nature, by ACEAS Director, Professor Matt King, and colleagues from UTAS, CSIRO and University College London, outlines key challenges and provides strategies that can be employed to reduce risks. 

Farewell and congratulations to our Deputy Director

August marked a significant transition for ACEAS as we farewelled our Deputy Director, Professor Nerilie Abram (ANU), who has stepped into the nationally significant role of Chief Scientist at the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD).

Since ACEAS's inception, Nerilie’s insight, collegiality and clear thinking have shaped our work. We are excited to see another world-leading scientist take on the AAD Chief Scientist role and look forward to working with her toward a stronger Antarctic program in Australia. Thank you, Nerilie.

With Nerilie’s departure, we warmly welcome Professor Paul Tregoning as our new Deputy Director from ANU.

New explainer series launched

ACEAS has published the first issue of our new explainer series, called Why Antarctica Matters to Australia. This inaugural issue explores the deep connections between the continents and highlights the implications of Antarctica’s rapidly changing environment for Australia’s weather, climate, ecosystems, and coastline.

Designed to bridge science and decision making, this series distils complex findings into key insights to support informed decisions about our shared Antarctic future. 

Want to receive future explainers and policy briefings straight to your inbox? Sign up here, and we'll make sure you're the first to hear when we publish a new explainer or briefing.

Photo Credit: Pete Harmsen / AAD

New online resources launched for Denman Marine Voyage and Denman Terrestrial Campaign

Want to learn more about the Denman Marine Voyage (DMV) or its predecessor, the Denman Terrestrial Campaign (DTC)? 

Visit our dedicated new Voyage Hubs for DMV and DTC to explore these significant field trips.

As our research teams continue to process their samples and make discoveries, read news stories and blog posts delving into the emerging science being uncovered, and engage with multimedia content including videos, photo galleries, schematics, and more.

In the media

Abrupt changes in Antarctica

• The Conversation: From sea ice to ocean currents, Antarctica is now undergoing abrupt changes – and we’ll all feel them

• ABC News: Iconic Antarctic species at risk amid 'regime shift', scientists say, with 'rapid and self-perpetuating changes

• ABC Radio National Breakfast: Emperor Penguin colonies at risk as Antarctica faces major sea loss ice

• Also see articles highlighting this research on The Australian (paywall), SBS, Renew Economy, WIRED and Grist.

Funding

• ABC News: Australian scientists warn of 'crisis' in Antarctic research due to funding cliff
• ABC Hobart radio (transcript): Australia’s Antarctic science funding: the crisis is now
• The Mercury (Opinion): Now is not the time to put funding on ice

Other Antarctic, Southern Ocean and marine science 

• Nature (paywall): Protect Antarctica – or risk accelerating planetary meltdown 

• The Conversation: Unprecedented heat in the North Atlantic Ocean kickstarted Europe’s hellish 2023 summer. Now we know what caused it

• The Monthly (paywall): Polar bare

Antarctic and climate geopolitics

• ABC News: US Antarctic science is under threat, and that could create a void for China and Russia to fill. You can also watch the ABC segment here.

• The Conversation: As US climate data-gathering is gutted, Australian forecasting is now at real risk

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