Antarctica Front and Center in Baltimore

By Chris

Antarctica’s  Wilkins Ice Shelf,  which is now about the size of Connecticut, is located on the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula, which thrusts up from the continent toward the southern tip of South America.  The European Space Agency reports that the shelf is in danger of breaking off and falling into the sea.  Scientists are examining whether global warming is behind the shelf’s breakup.  Average temperatures in the Antarctic Peninsula have risen by 3.8 degrees Fahrenheit over the past half century.

While not timed to coincide with this activity,  Baltimore is currently host to hundreds of diplomats, scientists and others attending the 32nd Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting.  Nearly 400 people, including diplomats from 47 countries,  are in town for this important summit.  It is the first time since 1979 that a U.S. city has hosted the meeting.

Here at the Maryland Science Center, a new exhibit featuring the works of the National Science Foundation’s Artists and Writers Program are on display in our exhibit halls.  Photographs, paintings, sculpture and writings are presented and offer a unique look at the remote continent.   The exhibit offers those of us who will never travel to the poles  a chance to look at life in the extremes of polar exploration.  And perhaps, if current trends continue,  a documentary of what once was a vast frozen wildnerness that lost its battle against climate change.