A REVIEW ON THE DOCUMENTARY TITLED
OUR PLANET | FROZEN WORLDS
A MINI PROJECT REPORT
Submitted by
MADAN J
in partial fulfillment for the award of
the internal marks for the AISSCE-2025
ENGLISH CORE: 301
SUGUNA PIP SCHOOL,
COIMBATORE.
NOVEMBER 2024
APPENDIX
BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE
Certified that this project report “OUR PLANET | FROZEN
WORLDS” is the bonafide work of “MADAN J” who carried out the
project work under my supervision.
SIGNATURE OF SIGNATURE OF
INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER
SIGNATURE OF THE PRINCIPAL
Introduction:
The Arctic and Antarctica, located at the planet's northern and
southern extremes, are vital regions that significantly
influence global climate systems. While both are
characterized by ice and extreme cold, the Arctic is a frozen
ocean surrounded by land, and Antarctica is a vast landmass
entirely covered by an ice sheet. These regions are profoundly
impacted by climate change, with rising temperatures causing
rapid ice melt. The Arctic is warming at twice the global
average, resulting in significant loss of sea ice, which disrupts
ecosystems and accelerates global warming by reducing the
Earth's ability to reflect sunlight.
In Antarctica, ice shelves are collapsing, contributing to rising
sea levels. The melting of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet is
particularly concerning, as it could cause significant global
sea-level rise, endangering coastal cities and communities
worldwide. Climate change also affects wildlife, with species
such as polar bears and penguins struggling to adapt to
shrinking habitats and changing food availability. Moreover,
the melting ice influences ocean circulation patterns,
potentially disrupting weather systems far beyond the poles.
The changes in these regions are not only local but have
global repercussions, highlighting the urgent need to address
climate change to protect ecosystems and human populations
around the world.
Summary:
Introduction
The meeting began with David Attenborough discussing the
impact of human population growth on the natural world. He
emphasized the need to preserve the remaining natural
wonders to ensure the well-being of both people and nature.
Antarctica
The focus then shifted to Antarctica, the coldest place on
Earth. The continent's unique ecosystem was highlighted,
including the vast ice cap and the return of life to the shores as
the sea ice melts in spring. The significance of the rocky
patches for gentoo penguins to lay their eggs was mentioned,
as well as the increase in their numbers due to rising
temperatures.
Antarctica
Gentoo Penguin
Antarctic Krill
Sea Ice and Krill
The importance of sea ice as a habitat for various species was
discussed. Sea ice is more than just frozen water—it’s a
critical habitat that supports many species. When the ice
melts, sunlight reaches the water below, helping algae grow.
This algae feeds krill, tiny creatures that are a primary food
source for animals like gentoo penguins and humpback
whales.
However, rising temperatures are causing sea ice to melt
faster, reducing algae and, in turn, krill populations. With
fewer krill, animals like humpback whales struggle to find
enough food, showing how climate change can disrupt the
entire marine food chain.
Predators and Prey
The meeting then shifted to the top predators in Antarctica,
such as killer whales and leopard seals, both of which play
key roles in the ecosystem. Killer whales use sophisticated
hunting techniques, like creating bubble curtains to trap krill,
and also prey on seals and penguins. Leopard seals, known for
ambushing penguins in the water, are efficient hunters with
powerful jaws.
However, the loss of sea ice is disrupting the hunting patterns
of these predators. Leopard seals rely on the ice edges to hunt,
while killer whales’ strategies are impacted by changes in krill
availability, threatening their survival.
Humpback Whale
Killer whale
South Georgia
The island of South Georgia, located north of Antarctica, was
discussed as a habitat for various species, including
wandering albatross and king penguins. The challenges faced
by these species, such as declining breeding populations and
predation by leopard seals, were highlighted. The dependence
of South Georgia's ecosystem on krill, which is affected by
disappearing sea ice, was also mentioned.
South Georgia Island with King Penguins and Seals
The Arctic
The meeting then shifted to the Arctic, where the effects of
climate change are more intense. The importance of sea ice
for polar bears and their hunting habits was explained. The
changing ice conditions and the impact on the availability of
prey, such as seals, were discussed. The overall decline in sea
ice cover and the consequences for the Arctic ecosystem were
emphasized.
Walrus Gathering
The meeting concluded with a discussion on the gathering of
walruses on the northeastern coast of Russia. The
displacement of walruses from their natural habitat due to
retreating sea ice was highlighted, along with the dangers they
face in crowded conditions. The meeting ended with a call to
action to visit the website ourplanet.com to learn more about
preserving the polar wilderness.
Overall, the meeting provided a comprehensive overview of
the impact of climate change and disappearing sea ice on the
polar regions, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts
to protect these fragile ecosystems.
Arctic Winter
Polar Bear and a Walrus gathering
Linking with the Lesson:
Linking the lesson "Journey to the End of the Earth" with the
documentary Our Planet: Frozen Worlds deepens the
understanding of climate change and its effects on Antarctica.
Both works emphasize preservation. Tishani Doshi highlights
Antarctica as essential for understanding Earth's history and
climate change, while David Attenborough underscores the
need to protect natural wonders for the well-being of people
and nature.
Climate change is a central theme. Doshi showcases the
reality of climate change alongside Antarctica’s beauty, while
the documentary discusses melting sea ice and its
consequences for species like gentoo penguins and humpback
whales, aligning with Doshi's insights into Antarctica's
significance.
Both works serve as calls to action. Doshi aims to raise
awareness among future policymakers, and Frozen Worlds
urges viewers to recognize the importance of conserving polar
habitats. Doshi’s journey reflects contrasts between climates,
while the documentary discusses climate change's effects on
communities dependent on these ecosystems.
Together, these works present Antarctica as crucial for
understanding climate change, emphasizing the need for
conservation and collective action to protect these vital
ecosystems.
Conclusion:
The Arctic and Antarctica are crucial to Earth's climate, and
their rapid changes due to climate change have far-reaching
implications for global sea levels, weather patterns, and
ecosystems. As ice melts, the consequences extend beyond
these polar regions, affecting wildlife and human populations
worldwide. Urgent action is needed to mitigate climate
change and protect these vital areas for future generations.
Bibliography:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTQ3Ko9ZKg8&t=2855s
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_change
https://niwa.co.nz/climate-change-information-climate-
solvers/antarctica-and-climate#:~:text=the%20Ross%20Sea.-
,Antarctica%20and%20sea%2Dlevel%20rise,known%20as%2
0sea%2Dlevel%20rise.
