Tourism, mining, fishing and bioprospecting are just four activities that could threaten the sustainability of Antarctica in the future. All of these interests have the potential to damage, change or destroy Antarctica and its surrounding oceans if not carefully controlled, managed or banned.
How are humans destroying Antarctica?
Global warming, ozone depletion and global contamination have planet-wide impacts. These affect Antarctica at the largest scale. Fishing and hunting have more localised impacts, but still have the potential to cause region-wide effects.
What are the main threats to Antarctica?
- Climate change. Climate change is the greatest long-term threat to the region. ...
- Increased fishing pressure and illegal fishing.
- Marine pollution. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been measured around Antarctica and detected in wildlife. ...
- Invasive species.
Is economic exploitation of Antarctica possible?
There has never been any commercial mining in Antarctica thanks to the Antarctic Treaty which has completely banned mining under the Environmental Protocol. ... Under the convention, mining could take place if all parties agreed that there was no risk to the environment.
What would happen if we mined Antarctica?
Mining in Antarctica would be very difficult, dangerous and expensive as the climate is so harsh, the ice is very thick and Antarctica is very remote from major centres of population. This would make the transportation of minerals and equipment in and out of Antarctica hazardous.
Can you go to Antarctica without permission?
Antarctica is the only continent on Earth without a native human population. ... Since no country owns Antarctica, no visa is required to travel there. If you are a citizen of a country that is a signatory of the Antarctic Treaty, you do need to get permission to travel to Antarctica .
Why is fishing a threat to Antarctica?
Their harvesting of Antarctic krill may upset the food chain and the animals that consume them such as penguins, whales, and seals (ASOC). They are also overfishing Antarctic toothfish.
What language is spoken in Antarctica?
The most commonly spoken language of Antarctica is Russian , which happens to be the official language of Bellingsgauzenia, New Devon, and Ognia. English is also one of the most widespread languages spoken. You can find English spoken in the Balleny Islands, New South Greenland, Eduarda, etc.
Why mining is banned in Antarctica?
Mining in Antarctica would be very difficult , dangerous and expensive as the climate is so harsh, the ice is very thick and Antarctica is very remote from major centres of population. This would make the transportation of minerals and equipment in and out of Antarctica hazardous.
How does Antarctica make money?
Fishing is now an established part of the economic exploitation of the waters around the Antarctic. ... Whilst most of the fishing effort has been north of 60′′s so far, future exploitation may well extend into more southerly waters. The last 20 years has seen a remarkable growth in a new industry-Antarctic tourism.
Is there gold on Antarctica?
Gold, platinum, copper, iron and coal have also been found in Antarctica . And diamonds are already mined today in some of the world’s colder reaches of northern Canada and Siberia.
Is mining banned in Antarctica?
The 29 countries party to the Antarctic Treaty unanimously reaffirmed their commitment to a ban on mining activities in the Antarctic on June 1 . ... The Protocol is a landmark environmental protection agreement that requires strict rules and procedures for the conduct of activities in the Antarctic.
Has anyone been born in Antarctica?
Since then we’ve been reminded of another... Eleven babies have been born in Antarctica , and none of them died as infants. Antarctica therefore has the lowest infant mortality rate of any continent: 0%. What’s crazier is why the babies were born there in the first place.
Who governs Antarctica?
People from all over the world undertake research in Antarctica, but Antarctica is not owned by any one nation. Antarctica is governed internationally through the Antarctic Treaty system . The Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1959 by 12 countries who had scientists in and around Antarctica at the time.
Can u live in Antarctica?
Although there are no native Antarcticans and no permanent residents or citizens of Antarctica, many people do live in Antarctica each year.
