Antarctic Tourism Guides Quit Over Climate Concerns

A study published in *Annals of Tourism Research* interviewed 25 former Antarctic expedition guides, finding that 19 left their jobs because of growing worries about the environmental impact of tourism and climate change. The guides reported witnessing glacier retreat, algae blooms linked to rising temperatures, and disturbances to seals and penguins caused by the increasing flow of ships and visitors. Visitor numbers to Antarctica have risen sharply, from about 7,500 in 1992 to more than 104,000 in the 2022‑2023 season, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Many guides said they first tried to reduce their impact or promote sustainable practices, but ultimately chose resignation. The research highlights the broader criticism that cruise‑ship tourism, which can burn up to 100 tonnes of fuel per day, may cause more harm than the educational benefits it claims to provide.