From Ice to Skies: Life on the Move

Emperor penguins rely on stable sea ice to successfully raise their chicks and moult, but since 2016 Antarctic sea ice has declined sharply and breeding failure has been recorded at numerous colonies. Studies suggest that the majority of colonies could be extinct by the end of this century as temperatures warm and Antarctica changes. Many colonies have never been visited by humans, but satellite imagery allows us to study the penguins from space. I use these images to look at how emperor penguins have responded to changes in ice conditions over the last four decades, as well as more recently, so that we can better understand their future in changing climate.

Using over 50 years of data from The Gambia and Gibraltar, we found that many bird species are now arriving earlier in Europe before breeding season, but leaving later once breeding is over. As a result, these same species are spending more time in Europe and far less time in Africa each year than they used to. These changes appear to be linked to climate change and food availability. The results highlight how climate related shifts can reshape the yearly routines of migratory birds, with potentially important consequences for their survival and for the ecosystems they connect.

Metal mining powered centuries of economic growth, but it also left behind a less visible legacy: water pollution. When metal mines close, they slowly flood, triggering chemical reactions that release toxic metals into streams and rivers long after a mine has been abandoned. This talk explores how centuries of metal mining still shape water quality today, why polluted rivers can persist for generations, and what we are doing to manage this toxic hangover. Through real examples from across the UK, we see how history, geology, and chemistry collide.