Catalog number: ZNHCRA0589

Sheet CZ 2009 - Penguins

Sheet Czech Republic 2009 - Penguins: Protection of Polar Regions and Glaciers.

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Sheet Czech Republic 2009 - Penguins: Protection of Polar Regions and Glaciers.
Author: Josef Dudek
Engraving Author: Miloš Ondráček
Print Sheets: 1 AP
Perforation: RZ 11 ¾ : 11 ¼
Printing Method: Steel engraving from the surface in black combined with colored offset AK
Sheet Size: 151 × 107 mm
Edition: 80,000 pcs
Issue Number: A589
Release Date: 11.02.2009

Specification:
The issuance of stamps encouraging the protection of polar regions and glaciers is a joint project of four dozen countries, initiated by Finland and Chile. The common feature of all issues is a logo as a symbol of a crystal, designed by Finnish graphic artist Saku Heinänen. This project is unique mainly because dozens of postal administrations from various parts of our planet responded to the call of two countries with the aim of reaching out to people and governments worldwide.

Global warming has become most apparent in polar regions in recent decades, causing the melting of continental glaciers and sea ice. This situation may soon lead not only to a rise in sea levels but also to global climate changes. Warming is caused not only by changes in ocean currents but also by rising concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which humans create through often reckless activities towards nature. The highest temperature increase this century is expected in the Arctic region, by 2 to 6°C. Temperatures are also rising in the southern polar regions. In Antarctica, glaciers are decreasing, breaking off from coastal ice shelves. In March 2008, an iceberg larger than Prague broke off from the Wilkins Ice Shelf. The melting of glaciers also threatens animal and plant species found in polar regions.

From a global perspective, water resources, agriculture and forestry, energy production, and human health are most at risk. Improving energy use and transitioning to low-carbon fuels and renewable sources should slow existing climate changes and mitigate their impact, as well as investing in new technologies and research in polar regions.

The drawing on the sheet depicts the collapse of icebergs and glaciers, with a fishing boat in the background reminding us of the human contribution to these processes. The text at the top of the sheet PRESERVE THE POLAR REGIONS AND GLACIERS accompanies the crystal symbol. The stamp features a group of emperor penguins on a broken ice floe and the text PROTECTION OF POLAR REGIONS AND GLACIERS with the logo.

source: ceskaposta.cz