Antartica Flashcards
Describe Antarctica’s short term gains
- Potential for mineral extraction (coal, oil, iron ore etc)
- Tourism (36,000 tourists from 2014-15) - cruises, sail yachts, mountain climbing, south pole hiking. Adventure Network International = only land-based tour company
What has Antartica got a high enviromental quality?
- World’s largest wilderness (14 million km3)
- 1000 plant species (mostly algae and lichens)
- 14 million km2 area
What are the issues associated with Antartica?
- Risk of Antarctica being exploited for mineral extraction or tourism which could severely damage the environment (EG platinum)
- Global climate change
- Ozone depletion
- Tourism
- Overfishing
How is tourism managed to ensure sustainable development?
Tourism: over-flying without landing. Discourage ships with over 500 passengers and only one vessel can visit at a time.
What agreement protects Antarctica?
The Antarctic Treaty (prohibited military activities, freedom of scientific exploration and cooperation will continue at the same rate, free exchange of info on scientific data, no new land claims, no nuclear explosions or radioactive waste disposal, all stations and aircraft are open to inspection by designated observers). Peaceful purposes and environmental protection
How are research plants managed to ensure sustainability?
British Antarctic Survey has 4 stations in Antarctica carrying out research on climate change, geology, biodiversity and the sustainability of the exploitation of marine ecosystems.
- tanks have a secondary container in case they leak
- Oil marine gasoil is used as it less persistent than other fuels and would cause less damage if spilt
- all wastes (except sewage) and stored and removed
- dogs are not used to pull sledges as they may spread disease to wildlife
- abandoned bases have been cleaned up & wastes removed)
What are some of the protocols of the Antartic treaty?
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Ban on mineral exploitation in 1998
- 1964- conservation of flora and fauna
