Antarctica has been separated from the other continents for at least 30 million years. It is largely a frozen, barren continent with over 99% of its surface covered by ice, up to 4.5 km thick. It is the highest, driest, windiest and coldest continent and has the least vegetation and terrestrial life both in quantity and diversity. By complete contrast the Southern Ocean that surrounds Antarctica is rich in marine life, supporting many iconic species, including whales, seals, penguins and albatrosses. Antarctica has provided a remarkably stable environment over recent geological time and hence the physiological functions of many of its native marine species are now extremely sensitive to very modest changes in temperature. Antarctica is therefore considered to be one of the most fragile areas on Earth, and therefore most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

Antarctica is at the very end of the Earth, yet human activity is having a significant impact on its environment. Changes in atmospheric circulation arising from the impacts of humans elsewhere are causing regional effects such as the break-up of ice shelves, marked changes in sea ice concentrations in the southern Pacific Ocean and Ross Sea areas, and reductions in krill concentrations in the South Atlantic. These are all associated with increased carbon dioxide emissions and the effects of the Antarctic ozone hole.