The Iceberg That Was Bigger Than a City (free pdf)
A23a was once the largest iceberg in the whole world
There's a giant iceberg that's been in the news — one so big it's hard to imagine. It's called A23a, and for a while, it was the largest iceberg in the whole world. At its biggest, it was around three times the size of Los Angeles.
A23a broke away from Antarctica back in 1986 — long before most of us were even born. For decades, it barely moved at all. It was stuck, resting on the seafloor near Antarctica, quietly sitting there for almost 40 years.
Then, a few years ago, it finally broke free. Ocean currents picked it up and carried it slowly north, out of the icy cold water it had always known. And as it drifted into warmer seas, something started to happen: it began to melt.
Scientists have been watching it closely the whole way. Bit by bit, huge chunks broke off — some almost as big as small countries. The ice turned a deep, startling blue as pools of meltwater spread across its surface. And now, after its long, slow journey, A23a has almost completely disappeared.
Why does this matter?
It's easy to hear a story like this and feel a bit sad, or even a little worried. And that's okay — it is sad. A giant, ancient piece of ice that existed for almost 40 years is gone. That's a big thing to sit with, for kids and grown-ups alike.
Icebergs breaking away — what scientists call "calving" — happens naturally. But scientists have noticed that ice is melting faster than it used to, because our oceans are warming. That's the part worth paying attention to. It's fine for kids to feel a little sad or concerned about a story like this — that's a sign they care, and caring is what leads to change.
We don't have to look away — and we don't have to be scared, either
I think it's important for kids to know about big things happening in the world, even hard ones. Pretending everything's fine doesn't help anyone. But how we talk about it matters just as much as what we say.
So instead of leaving it there, I want to share something else with you — because alongside the hard stories, there are real, happening-now wins for our planet too.
Right now, in Australia and around the world:
Humpback whales were once nearly extinct — and their numbers have recovered dramatically.
Giant pandas are no longer on the critically endangered list.
Some days, entire states run on 100% renewable energy.
Scientists are growing coral in underwater nurseries and replanting damaged reefs.
Communities everywhere are growing food together in shared gardens, right in their own suburbs.
These aren't small things. They're proof that when people notice, care, and act — even in small ways — things can genuinely get better.
A gentle way to talk about it with your kids
You don't need to have all the answers, and you don't need to make it heavier than it needs to be. A simple conversation might sound like:
"Did you know there was a giant iceberg, almost as big as a city, that just melted away? Isn't that amazing to think about? I wonder what our planet was like when it first broke off, all those years ago."
Then, if they're curious, you might add:
"There are lots of things happening right now that are helping our planet too — want to hear about some of them?"
Wondering together, staying curious instead of preachy, and celebrating the wins alongside the hard stuff — that's how we help kids feel informed without feeling overwhelmed.
How to Have These Conversations
Stay curious, not preachy, let them lead, acknowledge what's hard, balance the story. Here is a free pdf.
Disclaimer - Facts and figures reflect information available at time of publication and may change over time. Readers are encouraged to verify details for themselves.
“Through Greta’s Eyes” is on Amazon and reminds kids about nature with an activity book “What’s YOUR Experience?”