Global Commons Antarctica Flashcards
Define global common
What are the four global commons?
An area that isn't owned by any one country Antarctica High seas Atmosphere Space
Other than international law who else governs global commons
NGOs e.g. Greenpeace
Why are global commons under threat?
Some feel as though they can exploit the global commons without meeting any consequences
Global resource demand e.g. For oil is increasing
Climate change
What is essential in the effort to protect global commons? Give an example
Global cooperation
E.g. Russia and Norway cooperation over north east arctic cod
Describe the geography of Antarctica as a global common
The common stretches up to the antarctic convergence in the southern ocean
14million km2 of protected land
70% of the worlds fresh water stored here
Average temperature is -49 degrees
Describe the Antarctic eco systems
Heavily adapted very vulnerable lichens on land
Lots of phytoplankton and krill which all other marine life depends on
What are the 4 threats to Antarctica?
Climate change
Fishing and whaling
Mineral searches
Science / tourism
Describe the threats posed to antarctica from climate change
50 years seen a 3 degree rise in temperature
80% decrease in antarctic krill - huge damage elsewhere in food chain
Ice shelves retreating which removes habitat for Adelie penguins
+ve feedback of destabilised ice shelves
Ocean acidification i.e. Carbonic acid
Describe the threat of fishing and whaling on Antarctica
Over fishing of the patagonian tooth fish
200,000 tonnes of krill removed
Lots of illegal fishing despite international laws
Whales and other species caught in fishing nets
Although in 1982 whaling banned, still occurs for “scientific purposes”
Describe the threat of mineral exploitation
Large stores of coal and iron ore
When demand increase may become exploited
With new tech may become economically viable to mine here
What are the threats from Tourism and research on Antarctica?
More flights = more pollution and more oil spills
Tourists disturb breeding populations
And trample lichen
Infrastructure built for scientific research
Describe the antarctic treaty
1959
53 countries agreed to
Use only for peaceful purposes e.g. No weapons testing
Cooperative scientific research
No country has an individual claim
Any country can inspect any other country
What are the problems with the antarctic treaty?
No system is in place to ensure people stick to the rules
Different countries have different opinions e.g. Russia has blocked protection on marine preservation
Describe the UNs role in the global common of Antarctica
CCAMLR Commission for the conservation of antarctic marine living resources
Works to stop illegal fishing
but other countries have their own interests - around the ross ice shelf no change been seen in fishing quotas
Describe the role of the IWC as a global institution on protecting Antarctica
International whaling commission
Regulates whaling
1994- saw parts of the Antarctic convergence being a whale sanctuary but is heavily criticised for not working hard enough to ensure the rules are enforced
Describe the international debate over whaling in Antarctica
Japan vs USA
Usa said whaling boats need to be registered with the IWC but japan states that the IWC doesnt have the power
When was the international whaling moratorium issued? what does it do? Who criticises it?
1982
Ban on commercial whaling
And has seen whale populations rise since (slowly as a slow breeding organism)
But greenpeace has critized the efforts to maintain the rules
What is the benefit of NGO involvement in Antarctica?
NGOs arent bound to countries and therefore are less open to bias and more likely to stick to the rules
Give an example of an NGO within Antarctica and explain its role
ASOC
Antarctic and southern ocean coalition
Set up when countries were planning to make mining legal
In 1978 idea was to increase transparency of the Antarctic treaty
Monitors who is sticking to the rules e.g. Southern ocean whale sanctuary
It also works with other NGOs to help reduce the effects of climate change
Give ways in which the Antarctic global governance effects us all
Climate change - Antarctic research helps reduce global climate change
Fishing quotas - limit economic growth of some countries may make fish in UK more expensive
Pooling of resources - scientific advancements as the countries work more closely together
Tourism - allows people to become stewards
