Threats to Antarctica Flashcards
Why is Antarctica a global common?
It has no government to manage its affairs or protect its interest.
What has happened to tourist numbers?
They have more than doubled in the last 20 years.
How many tourists visited Antarctica in 2022-23
104,897
What has availability of flights meant?
Availaiblity of flights to the Union Blue-Ice runway has meant there is an opportunity for more exciting reasons to visit.
These include skiing, mountaineering, kayaking and visits to research stations.
What do footprints do?
They will last on moss for decades.
When is peak tourist season and why is this a problem?
November to March which clashes with the breeding season.
What danger is there from cruise ships?
Oil spills
What have cruise ships brought in?
New species to the Antarctic food chain including the Mediterranean mussel
Why is there an increased danger of collisions?
An increased number of ships and dangerous seas
A Canadian cruise ship MS Explorer sank in 2007, all 154 passengers survived.
What treaty was set up to prevent damage to Antarctica?
Antarctic Treaty
What does IAATO attempt to do?
Limit the threat by preventing large ships arriving to Antarctica
These ships should carry no more than 500 people
