Antarctica Case Study Flashcards
Give reasons for why Antarctica is so significant as a global commons
- Larger than Europe.
- 90% of all ice and 70% of all freshwater.
- Average temperature of -49 degrees c.
- Unique species in the Southern Ocean (e.g. Patagonian Toothfish).
- Upwelling of nutrient rich cold water.
- Very fragile terrestrial ecosystem - only two flowering plants.
What are four key threats to Antarctica?
- Whaling and fishing.
- Climate change and ocean acidification.
- Mineral exploitation and extraction.
- Tourism and scientific research.
Describe the threat of whaling and fishing in Antarctica
- Overfishing caused many species like the Patagonian Toothfish vulnerable to extinction.
- Species get trapped in fishing nets and drown.
- Whale populations take a long time to recover.
- Illegal fishing is challenging to monitor.
Why is fishing and whaling a significant threat to Antarctica? (ASSESS)
- More pressure due to a growing population, a growing demand.
- Risk of resources running out elsewhere.
- Illegal fishing can lead to global disputes if issues are brought to international attention.
Describe the threat of climate change and ocean acidification in Antarctica
- Ocean warmed by 3’C on West coast of Antarctica (fastest rate).
- Ice shelves have retreated, changing the environment.
- Adelie Penguin declining.
- Krill population declined by 80% since 1970.
Why is climate change and ocean acidification a significant threat to Antarctica? (ASSESS)
- If all Antarctica sea ice melts, could raise sea levels by 65m.
- Risk of mass extinction if Krill populations die out.
Describe the threat of mineral exploitation and extraction in Antarctica
- Contains the world’s largest coalfield.
- Large copper and cobalt reserves on the Antarctic Peninsula.
Why is mineral exploitation and extraction a significant threat to Antarctica? (ASSESS)
- Increasing global pressure to exploit resources as supplies run out.
- Areas of water deficit could benefit from Antarctica’s freshwater supply.
- Coalfield mining could trigger a multiplier effect, undoing efforts for climate change.
Describe the threat of tourism and scientific research in Antarctica
- Weather patterns, ecosystem adaptations and past climate change are all being monitored (ice cores).
- Whaling has continued in Antarctica for “scientific purposes”, especially in Japan.
- Number of tourists in 2017 was 43,000, in 2023 it was 103,000.
Why is tourism and scientific research a signification threat to Antarctica? (ASSESS)
- Loopholes for scientific research could lead to more illegal activity being ignored.
- Potential for conflicts between countries if loopholes are utilised to develop faster.
- Tourism growing rapidly after globalisation.
Give some facts about the Antarctic Treaty
- Drafted in 1959.
- Signed by 12 nations who had a claim in Antarctica.
- Agreed in Washington DC.
- Only 14 articles, but they are fundamental.
What happened because of the Antarctic Treaty?
- Antarctica was demilitarised.
- Nations resolve issues and divide shares to new members.
- Prohibition of nuclear weapons or fuel dumping in the area.
Why did the UN involve themselves with Antarctica’s governance in the 1980s?
Meetings were being held to discuss exploiting Antarctica, threatening it as a Global Commons.
What three changes were implemented in the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS)?
- Two meetings to solve conservation of Antarctic Seals.
- Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) created.
- Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty.
What is the Madrid Protocol?
- Came into force in 1998.
- Stopped conversations on mining in Antarctica.
- Remains in force until 2048, where a 75% majority will be needed to make any changes to the protocol.
