Recent research published in May 2025 highlights the surprising role of penguin guano in Antarctica's climate. Scientists have discovered that ammonia emitted from penguin poop contributes to cloud formation, potentially mitigating the regional impacts of climate change.
Adélie penguin colonies release ammonia from their excrement, which interacts with sulphur-containing gases. This interaction increases particle creation in the air, providing a surface for water vapor to condense and form clouds. Measurements taken near a colony of 60,000 Adélie penguins showed ammonia concentrations up to 1,000 times higher than in areas without penguins.
These clouds can act as insulating layers, reducing surface temperatures and preventing sea ice from melting. The discovery underscores the interconnectedness of ecosystems and climate, emphasizing the importance of protecting penguin populations in Antarctica. The study also found that even after the penguins migrated, the poop they left behind continued to elevate ammonia to 100 times higher than background levels.