The Climate Risks of Antarctica’s TikTok Tourism Rise

As visitor numbers climb and warnings of environmental risks mount, it remains to be seen whether new rules will be introduced, or if Antarctica will remain a frontier for high-carbon adventure tourism.

A record 130,000 people visited Antarctica last season, according to the latest data from the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, prompting warnings from environmentalists about the growing climate impact.

The group said much of the growth has come from tourism and researchers have predicted that the visitor counts will keep rising.

Expedition cruises, helicopter tours, kayaking, snorkeling, and polar plunges are now widely available, with packages averaging around $12,000 per person.

The Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition has warned that action must be taken to prevent irreversible damage and bring Antarctica’s tourism under control. “If you’re not regulating one of the fastest-growing human activities, you’re not truly protecting Antarctica,” said Claire Christian, Executive Director of the coalition.

A typical trip to Antarctica generates about 5.44 tonnes of CO₂ per person, or roughly 0.49 tonnes per day, according to one emissions analysis.

About half of all visitors to Antarctica begin their journey in the United States, adding significant emissions from long-haul flights to cruise departure points in Cape Town, South Africa, or Ushuai