Antarctica, on average, is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent, and has the highest average elevation of all the continents. Antarctica is considered a desert, with annual precipitation of only 200 mm (8 inches) along the coast and far less inland. There are no permanent human residents but anywhere from 1,000 to 5,000 people reside throughout the year at the research stations. Only cold-adapted plants and animals survive there, including Tundra vegetation.

It is predicted that this rise in temperature overall of the planet is destined to produce some rather extreme global-warming-effects.
Shrinkage of the Antarctic Ice-Shelves has raised the sea level. High sea levels can cause severe flooding and soil erosion to coastal towns and villages. Islands can become submerged.

Environment - current issues:

Air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution from raw sewage; deforestation contributing to loss of biodiversity; soil erosion; desertification

Environment - international agreements:
Party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Wetlands (signed, but not ratified) Desertification