Antarctica Global Commons2

Question 1

5 negative effects of climate change in Antarctica

Answer 1

one) penguin population decrease
2) melting snow => colonization of plants
3) krill decrease => affects the whole ecosystem
4) Ice shelves collapse => sea level up
5) Ice shelves melt -> albedo goes down :(

Question 2

Why is Oceans pH going down (getting less alkaline)? Consequences?

Answer 2

More CO2 in the Atmosphere -> more carbonic acid in the water -> water may become corrosive -> destruction of exosceletons and shells of organisms

Question 3

Till when is the exploitation of mineral resources banned in Antarctica?

Answer 3

Till 2048, by the Madrid Protocol

Question 4

Outline the negative aspects of tourism in Antarctica

Answer 4

A. Waking the same routes may create paths, destroy ecosystems
B. Tourist season coincides with the peak breeding seson
C. Accidentally importing invasive alien species (insects, seeds)
D. Oil spills

Question 5

Comment on the tourism trend in Antarctica

Answer 5

Only specialists in 1950s - nearly 56 000 in 2018-19
- prices getting relatively cheaper

Question 6

Who is in charge of tourism in Antarctica?

Answer 6

IAATO - International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators

Question 7

What measures is IAATO trying to implement to protect Antarctica as a Global Common? [FOUR ideas]

Answer 7

1. No ships of more than 500 passengers allowed
2. When landing, tourists must be divided in to 20 people smaller groups (each under supervision)
3. Briefing tourists on the code of behavior
4. Each site may be visited only every three or four days

Question 8

When was the Antarctic Treaty ratified? By how many countries?

Answer 8

12 countries, 1959

Question 9

Main ideas of the Antarctic Treaty (1959)

Answer 9

1. Military activities banned - only scientific research allowed
2. Promotes the exchange of the research plans and cooperation
3. Freezes any claims of sovereignty; prohibits any new claims
4. Prohibits nuclear explosions and disposal of radioactive waste
5. Ships, stations and equipment should be inspected
6. Advance notice for expeditions

Question 10

Who are the “seven claimants” countries?

Answer 10

UK, Norway (exploration)
Chile, Argentina, France, Australia and New Zealand

Question 11

Which countries signed the Antarctic Treaty? (12)

Answer 11

7 claimant countries
+
USA
Soviet Union

Japan
South Africa
Belgium

Question 12

When was the Madrid Protocol ratified? Why is it important?

Answer 12

A. Emerging Countries such us India and China put pressure on allowing mining (1980s)

B. Some members states wanted to negotiate management of the fisheries

C. in 1988 there was an official proposition that would have allowed exploration of minerals

Madrid protocol= ratified in 1998 -> bans mining till 2048

Question 13

What is the ATS?

Answer 13

International governance of Antarctica is under the
control of the ATS, which

is managed by annual
Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCM),
comprising the original 12 member states and a further
16 ‘consultative parties’.

The ATS includes a number
of other organisations, such as NGOs and scientific
institutions that influence the decision-making process
regarding activities taking place on the continent.

The ATS includes the AT at its core, together with a
number of additional agreements:
● the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the
Antarctic Treaty (Madrid, 1991) (see below)
● two separate conventions dealing with the
conservation of Antarctic seals
● the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic
Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).