Scientists review Antarctica's climate

CAMBRIDGE, England, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- A group of international scientists has published what it calls the first comprehensive review of Antarctica's climate and its relationship to global warming.

The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research said its report is based on the latest evidence from 100 scientists from 13 nations.

"Antarctica is an unrivaled source of information about our planet," Colin Summerhayes, executive director of the organization said. "The work is particularly important because it puts antarctic climate change into context and reveals the impact on the rest of the planet."

Professor John Turner of the British Antarctic Survey, lead editor of the review, said: " For me the most astonishing evidence is the way that one man-made environmental impact -- the ozone hole -- has shielded most of Antarctica from another -- global warming. Understanding the complexities surrounding these issues is a challenge for scientists, and communicating these in a meaningful way to society and to policymakers is essential.

"There is no doubt that our world is changing and human activity is accelerating global change," Turner added. "This review is a major step forward in making sure that the latest and best evidence is available in one place. It sets the scene for future Antarctic Research and provides the knowledge that we all need to help us live with environmental change."

The report is available at http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/met/SCAR_ssg_ps/ACCE.htm.