A Giant Iceberg on a Collision Course: Biodiversity at Risk

South of Latin America, the world’s largest iceberg, known as A23a, is heading dangerously toward the British island of South Georgia, threatening its extraordinary wildlife. This massive block of ice, measuring 3,800 km² in area and 400 meters thick, broke off from Antarctica in 1986. After drifting for decades, it resumed its northward journey in 2020 after escaping a vortex.

A Threat to Penguins and Seals

The island of South Georgia is home to a remarkable array of wildlife, including colonies of king penguins, seals, and seabirds. The iceberg’s arrival could form an impassable barrier, cutting off access to vital food sources. According to Andrew Meijers of the British Antarctic Survey, adult animals will have to travel farther to find food, depleting their energy reserves and reducing the supply for their young, thereby increasing mortality risks.

A Phenomenon Worsened by Climate Change

This is not the first time such an event has occurred. In 2004, iceberg A38 caused massive losses on the island by blocking access to food for local wildlife. Scientists have observed a rise in the frequency of giant iceberg detachments, partly linked to climate change. Now less than 250 kilometers from the coast, A23a could reach South Georgia in the coming weeks, potentially bringing disastrous ecological consequences.