Penguins could be playing a crucial role in stabilizing the climate in Antarctica when they go No. 2, according to new research.

This story was originally published by Grist with the headline The weird way that penguin poop might be cooling Antarctica on May 22, 2025. Alaska, Hawaii and areas along the mainland West Coast would be at risk if an earthquake erupts along the Cascadia subduction zone within the next 50 years.

Previous models have found clouds fueled by seabird guano in the Arctic do cool the ground, but the study authors say observations are needed to confirm the effect on the climate.