3.6. Laws to Protect Antarctica Flashcards
The Antarctic Treaty is one of the most successful international agreements with peaceful cooperation and scientific research between countries -»>
- Provides a good relationship between countries so less potential of war breaking out
- Scientific research can help people become more aware so they’re more inclined to make decisions to help
Research on melting ice raises awareness of climate change has on Antarctica and beyond
- It can encourage people to become more aware of the impacts they have and change habits such as minimising consumption that will contribute to climate change.
- Attitudes will change so you will consider more about your own actions -> be more environmentally friendly.
Protection of resources focuses on long-term sustainability for many rather than short-term economic gain for the few
- People feel more secure about their future and it can benefit everyone in the long term rather than just a few rich people in the short term and being more unsustainable.
- Energy security
Tourist activities are managed for the long term future of the ecosystem
- This prevents many people from visiting so conflict doesn’t become a problem between countries if specific countries try to dominate the industry.
- If we damage the ecosystem, it will have a knock on effect on other ecosystems, food chains damaged, seas polluted
The Antarctic Treaty facts
- In 1959, 12 nations joined together
- 52 countries have signed up and continue to grow
- Original ATS included an important clause that any dissatisfied country could call for review conference after 30 yrs and nobody did
- As the ATS has matured, it has become recognised as one of the most successful set of international agreement, setting an example of peaceful cooperation for the rest of the world.
Antarctic treaty purpose
- To guarantee free access and research rights to all countries
- Prohibit military activity such as nuclear bomb tests
- Ban dumping of nuclear waste
Criticisms of Antarctic Treaty
- Decision making can be problematic
- There are no legal penalties for violating agreements
United Nations Environment Programme
Management of fishing
UNEP facts
- Main institution that governs the world’s environment
- Programme in Antarctica is run by the commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources
UNEP purpose
- Responsible for reporting activity in Antarctica to UN
- Aims to stop illegal fishing and conserve the Antarctic ecosystem
UNEP criticisms
- Effectiveness is limited by individual countries protecting their own interests
- Took 5 yrs for CCAMLR to negotiate the creation of a marine protected area in the Ross Sea and it hasn’t reduced fishing quotas
Protocol on Environmental Protection
Management for tourism or mining
Protocol on Environmental Protection facts
- 1991, 45 nations signed up
- Focuses on protecting Antarctica’s fragile environment
- Rules to protect Antarctic plants and animals, regulate waste disposal and prevent pollution
- An environmental impact assessment needed for any new activities
Protocol on Environmental Protection purpose
Agreed to:
- Ban all mineral extraction
- Promote monitoring and assessment in order to minimise human impacts on ecosystem
Protocol on Environmental Protection criticisms
- The protocol will be reviewed in 2048. There is no guarantee that this will continue if global resources continue to be used at the current rate.
- There’s no system to ensure all countries abide by the rules.
- Disputes can be taken to International courts of justice
