Climate Change Brings Tropical Heron to UK for First Time—And Antarctic Heat Hits 15°C in Winter
A tropical bird never before seen in the UK has arrived in north Wales, while Antarctica just recorded its hottest winter temperature ever, as climate breakdown accelerates across the globe.
A western reef heron, a species typically found between west Africa and India, was spotted last week at Foryd Bay in north Wales before moving to Caernarfon harbour to feed among boats [172275]. Experts say this is unlikely to be the last such visitor, as warmer temperatures mean more exotic species can now survive Britain’s winter, making sightings like this increasingly common [172275]. Birdwatchers have flocked to the area to catch a glimpse of the rare visitor [172275].
Meanwhile, temperatures in Antarctica climbed above 15°C this month, breaking the region’s winter heat record and alarming scientists [169919]. The unusual heat caused snow to melt and rain to fall on glaciers in an area that is normally frozen solid [169919]. The new record was recorded on June 6 at Argentina’s Esperanza base on the Trinity Peninsula, during a prolonged heatwave with daily maximum temperatures staying above zero for three straight weeks [169919]. Scientists described the event as “very strange,” and the rapid warming raises fresh fears about the speed of climate breakdown in one of Earth’s most sensitive regions [169919].
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