Anatrtuca As A Global Common Flashcards
How much land does Antarctica cover
14 million km2
How much of the worlds ice does Antarctica contain
90% of the worlds ice
How much of earths fresh water does Antarctica hold
70% of earths fresh water
Is Antarctica a desert
Yes
What is the average temperature of Antarctica
-49 degrees
What type of plants are in Antarctica
Lichens and mosses and 2 species of flowering plants
What is Antarcticas ecosystem like
Fragile and easily damaged
How much sea life is in Antarctica
An abundant amount of sea life
What are the four main threats to Antarctica
Climate change
Fishing and whaling
Search for minerals
Tourism and research
Why is climate change a threat to Antarctica
West coast of Antarctica has risen 3 degrees
Ice shelves melting
Penguin and krill species decline - reduce biodiversity
Sea level rise
Ocean acidification
Why is fishing and whaling a threat to Antarctica
Overfishing threatens species e.g loss of krill leaves less food for other organisms
Illegal fishing is hard to monitor
Whaling was common, now in decline, however some countries still whale
Reduces biodiversity in the region
Why is searching for minerals a threat to Antarctica
Large deposits of coal, oil and iron and buried under Antarctica
Mining is currently banned, but may change in the future
Mining would create pollution and affect biodiversity as well as increases climate change
Why is tourism and research a threat to Antarctica
Tourism can lead to air pollution and an increase of fuel spills
Tourists disturb wildlife and damage habits through litter
Non native species can be introduced on tourist clothing
Research facilities create lots of waste
How do NGOs protect Antarctica
Ensure no military use can take place
Put any territorial claims on hold
Inspect different nations stations, to ensure no waste left that can damage habitats
As they don’t act on behalf of a country they are well positioned to observe whether countries are following the law
However only applies to land not sea
-> illegal whaling
How do IGOs and international law protect Antarctica (intergovernmental organisations)
The Antarctica treaty - agreement to sustainably manage Antarcticas ecosystems, singed by 53 counties
International whaling commission - responsible for regulating whaling and making sure that the whale population is at a sustainable level -> protecting against illegal whaling
How does the global governance of Antarctica impact the rest of the world
Limits the amount of resources being gained and therefore slow down economic growth - negative
Scientific research allows collaboration of scientists all over the world who can pool their resources - positive
How can Antarctica be identified
Southern most continent
Nearest country is Argentina
Latitude south 60 degrees
Antarctic convergence zone - warm water meets cold water
Boarded by the southern ocean
