With a name like "global warming", you'd think it'd be self-evident that the recent warming trend in our planet's climate would be world-wide. But with many still refusing to accept the overwhelming evidence, I suppose it's good to snag every data point we can. Today's warming indicator: Antarctica.

According to the journal Nature, as reported by the BBC, the continent has seen a temperature rise of more than half a degree celsius during the past 50 years, and the vast Wilkins Ice Shelf is "hanging by a thread."

The few people who live in Antarctica are trying in a small way to reduce their impact on climate change. As reported by CleanTechnica, wind and solar energy are being added to the Rothera and Scott outposts there.

It's not like warning signs haven't been evident from the land way down under, but as the least-studied continent on the globe, I suppose it's easy enough to write the place off as a giant ball of ice and forget about it. After all, it's a long-time endurer of previous climate problems—remember the ozone hole?

Anyway, a warming Antarctic may be a paradoxical hinderance to convincing people of the seriousness of climate change. The battle over the protected status of the polar bear drew attention to global warming, and provided the issue with a cuddly mascot to protect.

It's not that the southernmost continent doesn't have it's share of endearing animals, it's just that a shrinking ice sheet might improve conditions for the multitudes of Emperor Penguins, shortening the distance from their nesting grounds to their food supply in the ocean. I can see the coal lobby advertising now: "wind power kills penguins."