Traveling to the ends of the earth threat to continent of extremes

HALF MOON ISLAND, Antarctica - The swimsuit-clad tourists leap into the icy water, gasping at the shock, and startling a gaggle of penguins.

They are spectators at the end of the world, luxury visitors experiencing a vulnerable ecosystem close-up.

And their very presence might accelerate its demise.

Traveling to the ends of the earth threat to continent of extremes

Traveling to the ends of the earth threat to continent of extremes

Traveling to the ends of the earth threat to continent of extremes

Traveling to the ends of the earth threat to continent of extremes

Traveling to the ends of the earth threat to continent of extremes