Antarctica as a global common

Question 1

Describe the geography of Antarctica:

Answer 1

1. 60x the size of the UK.
2. Rich in wildlife and resources but has no indigenous population.
3. Mountainous continent but is covered by ice sheets.
4. Coldest recorded world temperature of -94 degrees.

Question 2

What is the climate like in antarctica?

Answer 2

On average it is the coldest, widest and driest climate and is described as a polar desert.

Climate varies depending on 3 factors:

1. Altitude
2. Latitude
3. Distance from the ocean- less precipitation and lower temperatures.

Question 3

Where does Antarctica begin?

Answer 3

1. Antarctic convergence zone is a natural boundary where warm and cool waters meet. Upwelling here causes a rich aquatic life.
2. 60 degree line of latitude is a man made boundary which marks the area under governance of the ATS.

Question 4

Threats of climate change to Antarctica?

Answer 4

Climate change affects Antarctica in different ways.
The western part seen a rise of up to 3 degrees in 50 years, ocean has warmed by 1 degree. Ice sheets and glaciers have begun to melt.
Eastern part seen much smaller rise in temperatures, ice sheets have not thinned and sea ice increased, likely to be a temporary process.

Question 5

What are the consequences of climate change?

Answer 5

Antarctica - ecosystems are changing:

1. Pioneer species have begun to colonise ice free areas.
2. Penguins have started to distribute themselves differently.
3. Krill declined as reduced phytoplankton, vital in food chain.
4. Ocean acidification impacts marine organisms.

Globally:
- Sea levels could rise by 5cm if ice in West Antarctica melts entirely.

Question 6

Threat of fishing and whaling to Antarctica?

Answer 6

Southern ocean is high in marine activity especially for Krill due to the mixing of warm and cold water which creates nutrient rich water.
Exploitation of this has been a long term issue:

• Fur seals in 1800s were almost completely wiped out from the region.
• In 1900s whales species were almost hunted to extinction, ban came into place in 1985.
• Overfishing of Krill is causing stocks to decline as its key to the food chain, allowable catch is 1.5m tonnes but increasing demand in Asia.

Question 7

Whats the issues with exploration for mineral resources?

Answer 7

Mineral resources in Antarctic are rich but have not been explored due to the conditions.

This may change as:

1. Technology improves
2. Physical conditions change
3. Demand increased as resources are used up.

ATS currently bans all mineral exploitation if this were to change it would damage and degrade marine and land based environments.

Question 8

Who governs Antarctica?

Answer 8

No one governs Antarctica but 7 countries have claims on it including the UK due to their proximity. UK’s claim is based upon sovereignty over Falkland islands.

Question 9

How is Antarctica governed?

Answer 9

ATS has been in operation for 50 years and governs the continent of Antartica from below the 60 degree line of latitude. Signed by 46 countries.
Key aspects of the ATS:
1. Guaranteed free access and research rights to scientists
2. No military or nuclear activities
3. Existing territory claims to be ignored and no new claims made.

Protocol on environmental protection states that Antarctica is a ‘natural reserve devoted to peace and science.’
Key aspects are:
1. No mineral resource exploration or activities
2. Comprehensive system of monitoring to minimise human impacts

International whaling committee was established to monitor and control whaling stocks.
Whats happened?
- In 1985 agreement to ban all commercial whaling, only Japan still takes whales.
- Whaling is an issue to to cultural and social differences.

Question 10

What roles to NGOs play in the governance?

Answer 10

The Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition is a group of 30 NGOs who aim to pressure the governments involved in the ATS.
They aim to:
- Agree comprehensive agreement on fishing.
- Establish a network of marine resources.
- Ban all mineral exploitation.
- To allow NGOs to participate in discussions (not just watch)

Greenpeace proposed that Antarctica should be designed as a world park which would mean many activities would be banned and all activities closely monitored.

Question 11

Evaluation of global governance in Antarctica?

Answer 11

Successes:

1. ATS protected Antarctica from mineral exploitation and military activities.
2. ATS example of successful global co-operation.
3. IWC successfully stopped commercial whaling
4. Scientific research increased understanding of climate change.
5. NGOs have put pressure on 46 countries to extend current protections.

Disadvantages:

1. Environmental protection comes to an end in 2048 may not be renewed
2. ATS based on consensus which takes time and not enforceable by the law, increased pressure may make this difficult.
3. Japan is still hunting whales
4. Research into climate change positive but its not ATS responsibility to deal with it.
5. Pressure to make environmental protocol permanent not yet insight.