Global Commons: Antarctica (3.52)

Question 1

What are the 3 main global institutions in Antarctica?

Answer 1

1. The Antarctic Treaty (1959)
2. IWC (1946)
3. United Nations Environment Programme

Question 2

What was added to the Antarctic Treaty (AT) in 1991?

Answer 2

Madrid Protocol (1991)

Question 3

Outline the role of the Antarctic Treaty system in Antarctica (4)

Answer 3

1. The Antarctic Treaty was introduced in 1959 between 12 nations and now consists of 56 members.
2. The treaty enforces laws, including no military use, free exchange of scientific plans and data, and maintaining it as a global common.
3. The addition of the Madrid Protocol in 1991 focuses on environmental protection.
4. For example, there is emphasis on no mining and waste regulation to prevent pollution.

Question 4

Evaluate the role of the Antarctic Treaty System in Antarctica (4)

Answer 4

1. The treaty has been recognised as one of the most successful international agreements, as no rules have been broken to date.
2. It has also set aside conflicts over territorial claims.
3. However, decision making within the ATS can be slow. A resolution cannot go forward until all countries have agreed.
4. Most parties are abiding by the obligations under the ATS for their honour without any existing legal penalties for violating the agreement, creating insecurity.

Question 5

Outline the role of the International Whaling Commission in Antarctica (3)

Answer 5

1. The IWC, established in 1946, regulates and ensures a sustainable whale population.
2. For example, the Southern Ocean whale sanctuary is an area of 50 million km squared, where the IWC has banned all commercial whaling.
3. This is also includes the 1982 Whaling Moratorium to protect whale species.

Question 6

Evaluate the effectiveness of the IWC in Antarctica (3)

Answer 6

1. There has been evidence of an increase in the whale populations of Antarctica.
2. However, campaigners have criticised the IWC for not monitoring the number of whales properly in the sanctuary.
3. Non-member countries like Japan and Norway are not obliged to the whaling ban and continue to do so, limiting the effectiveness.

Question 7

Outline the role of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) in Antarctica (4)

Answer 7

1. The UNEP is the main institution that governs the world’s environment.
2. It is responsible for reporting activity in Antarctica back to the UN.
3. This program includes the CCAMLR with 27 members.
4. They aim to stop illegal fishing and conserve the Antarctic ecosystem by setting up in protected areas.

Question 8

Evaluate the role of the UN Environmental Programme in Antarctica (2)

Answer 8

1. They have successfully reduced seabird mortality in the CCAMLR Convention Area.
2. However, its effectiveness is limited by individual countries protecting their own interests, taking 5 years to negotiate the creation of a marine protected area in the Ross Sea.

Question 9

What is the role of NGOs in Antarctica?

Answer 9

1. NGOs play an important role in monitoring possible threats and protecting the environment in Antarctica.
2. This is because governments alone cannot control every aspect of Antarctica.
3. They may provide expertise and rally public support where countries are not abiding by the laws.

Question 10

List 4 NGOs that operate in Antarctica

Answer 10

1. Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC)
2. Greenpeace
3. World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
4. Friends of the Earth

Question 11

Outline the role of ASOC in Antarctica (3)

Answer 11

1. ASOC was formed in 1978 by a group of NGOs concerned that some countries planned to make it legal to search for minerals in Antarctica.
2. They monitor if countries are following the 1991 Madrid Protocol and research the impacts of climate change.
3. As an NGO, they will speak up against exploitation by individual countries to protect the environment.

Question 12

Evaluate the role of ASOC in Antarctica (2)

Answer 12

1. They have successfully campaigned to make Antarctic Treaty meetings more transparent, allowing NGOs to attend.
2. However, they have little direct impact with insufficient power to make changes to the AT or pass new laws.

Question 13

What is one other organisation that operates in Antarctica? (Tourism)

Answer 13

The International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO)

Question 14

Outline the role of the IAATO in Antarctica (3)

Answer 14

1. The IAATO was founded in 1991 to ensure the preservation of Antarctica.
2. More than 100 Antarctic-bound outfitters are members of the IAATO.
3. They implement the expectations laid out by the AT for all visitors.

Question 15

Evaluate the effectiveness of the IAATO in Antarctica (4)

Answer 15

1. Their expensive procedures enable safe and eco-friendly private sector travel to Antarctica.
2. The regulations prevent waste and heavy pollution.
3. However, not all companies who take tourists to Antarctica are members of the IAATO.
4. Therefore, it has only been effective on a small scale.

Question 16

How does the global governance of Antarctica affect people’s lives across the world - including mine? (3)

Answer 16

1. There have been informed efforts to combat climate change due to evidence provided by monitoring Antarctica’s ice melt.
2. These efforts have been integrated into our daily lives through the use of renewable energy, and the promotion of public transport.
3. It may slow short term growth in some countries as limits on whales and fishing could cause industries to decline.