In the Southern Ocean, a natural spectacle is unfolding, drawing attention not only for its scientific significance but also for the lessons it offers about God’s creation. Iceberg A23a, the largest in the world at over 3,500 square kilometers—more than twice the size of London—is drifting toward South Georgia, a remote island rich in wildlife. As Catholics, we can view this event not only as a marvel of creation but also as a call to stewardship over the Earth and its creatures.
A Natural Wonder in Motion
A23a began its journey in 1986 when it calved from the Antarctic shelf, a process where large sections of ice break off from glaciers. For over 30 years, it remained stationary, until 2020, when it was set free. Now, it is being carried north by the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, the world’s most powerful ocean “jet stream.” According to Andrew Meijers, a physical oceanographer with the British Antarctic Survey, “It’s just like this white wall. It’s very sort of Game of Thrones-esque, actually, feeling like it would never end” (as quoted in The Guardian).
This massive block of freshwater weighs nearly a trillion tonnes and looms 40 to 50 meters above the ocean’s surface, stretching from horizon to horizon. Its path mirrors those of other “megabergs” in a route aptly named “Iceberg Alley.”
A Threat to God’s Creatures
While awe-inspiring, A23a’s journey carries potential consequences for God’s creation, particularly the wildlife on South Georgia. Penguins and seals, who rely on the surrounding waters to feed their young, could face significant challenges if the iceberg grounds itself on the island’s continental shelf.
“If the iceberg parks there, it’ll either block physically where they feed from, or they’ll have to go around it,” explained Meijers. He added that this extra effort “burns a huge amount of extra energy for them, so that’s less energy for the pups and chicks, which causes increased mortality” (The Guardian).
These species are already enduring a “bad season,” with an outbreak of bird flu devastating populations. The iceberg’s presence could worsen the situation, underscoring the interconnectedness of life and the importance of preserving the balance of creation.
Signs of God’s Grandeur and Human Responsibility
Icebergs are a natural phenomenon, but the increasing rate at which they are calving from Antarctica has scientists concerned. Meijers noted that this trend is “likely due to the human-induced climate crisis.” As Catholics, we are reminded of Pope Francis’s words in Laudato Si’: “Each creature has its own purpose. None is superfluous. The entire material universe speaks of God’s love.”
The iceberg’s journey also offers a paradox: as it melts, it will scatter nutrients into the ocean, fostering phytoplankton blooms that sustain whales and other species. These blooms also absorb carbon dioxide, contributing to the healing of the atmosphere. Even in destruction, nature reveals God’s intricate design.
A Call to Stewardship
The story of A23a calls us to marvel at the majesty of creation while reflecting on our role as stewards of the Earth. In the face of climate change and its cascading effects, Catholics are invited to care for creation in both prayer and action. Whether by advocating for policies that protect the environment or by making small, conscious choices in our daily lives, we answer God’s call to protect the world He has entrusted to us.
Let us pray for the preservation of South Georgia’s wildlife, for wisdom among leaders to address the climate crisis, and for all of us to embrace the responsibility of caring for the Earth. As St. Francis of Assisi reminds us in his Canticle of the Creatures, “Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water, so useful, humble, precious, and pure.”
By reflecting on events like the journey of A23a, we draw closer to understanding the delicate balance of creation and our duty to preserve it for generations to come.
