7.6 Antarctica Flashcards
Why Antarctica is considered a vulnerable environment? (Nature)
The extreme climate and fragile ecosystems mean that any changes to the environment can have a significant impact on the delicate balance
Antarctica is also one of the fastest warming regions on earth, causing ice shelves to melt, sea levels to rise and impacting the ecosystems in ways that could have global consequences
For example, in January 2023, an iceberg nearly as big as Greater London broke off the Brunt Ice Shelf
Why Antarctica is considered a vulnerable environment? (Human)
Human activities are increasing in Antarctica, with research and tourism adding to the threat of waste and pollution
There is also growing interest in the mining of minerals due to:
Technological advancements make it easier to explore and extract resources in extreme environments
Population growth and economic development lead to higher demand and rising prices - this means that potential economic gains are greater
Why fishing is considered a threat to Antarctica?
Unsustainable fishing is a major threat, with species such as the Patagonian Toothfish at risk of becoming endangered
Overfishing of krill could undermine the entire marine ecosystem because they are a primary food source for many species such as whales, seals and penguins
If krill populations decline, it could lead to population declines and potential extinctions of other species that depend on krill as a food source
Why whaling is considered a threat to Antarctica?
Historically, commercial whaling was a significant threat with many whale species hunted to near extinction
Whaling has declined since commercial whaling was banned, though some countries, such as Norway and Japan continue to hunt whales
It takes a very long time for whale populations to recover because whales are very slow to reproduce
Most whale species only give birth to one calf at a time, and the gestation period lasts between 9 and 18 months
Why exploitation of mineral resources in Antarctica is considered a threat?
The resources would be difficult to extract due to the harsh environment and lack of accessibility
Mineral extraction is currently banned, but there are fears that pressure may increase due to the rising demand for resources and melting ice which makes them more accessible
Mining in the Antarctic would have a significant impact on the environment and would threaten the delicate balance of the ecosystems in the region
Habitat destruction and wildlife disturbance would result from the building of roads and other infrastructure
Pollution and toxic waste are often byproducts in mining operations which would contaminate land and water
Oil spills would have a devastating and long-term impact, perhaps remaining in the environment for decades due to the low temperatures
At what rate is Antarctica loosing its ice mass?
Antarctica is losing ice mass at an average rate of 150 million tonnes per year
What is an increase in the number of tourists visiting Antarctica?
The number of tourists has been steadily increasing from fewer than 2000 visitors a year in the 1980s, to almost 75,000 in 2019/20
Why is number of tourists in Antarctica growing?
Improved transport has made it easier and more affordable to travel
Growing demand for adventure travel and unique experiences attracts people seeking to explore remote and pristine environments
Rising incomes mean that more people can afford to travel to Antarctica
What countries have made territorial claims on Antarctica?
Australia, Chile, Argentina, Norway, France, New Zealand and the UK
How United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) helps to protest Antarctica?
Coordinating and promoting global policies to address key environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution and waste
Supporting research and monitoring in Antarctica to enhance knowledge and understanding of the impacts of human activity
Raising awareness about the importance of Antarctica and its unique biodiversity
Supporting the development of responsible tourism strategies in Antarctica
How many countries are part of the Antarctic Treaty?
it was originally signed in 1959 by 12 nations and today a total of 56 countries are signatories today
When was Protocol on Environmental Protection (also known as the Madrid Protocol) signed and what it established with regards to Antarctica?
It established Antarctica as a ‘natural reserve, devoted to peace and science’
What are the strengths of the Antarctica Governance?
The Antarctic Treaty is widely recognised as one of the most successful international agreements
It has lasted over 60 years with no major problems
It promotes peaceful cooperation and has helped to prevent military conflicts and tensions
It promotes scientific research and environmental protection
What are the weaknesses of the Antarctic Treaty?
If countries disagree about an issue, one country can stop a resolution going forward
There are no legal penalties for violating agreements
Sometimes it takes a long time for decisions to be made because of the consensus-based decision-making process
