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Amazing Antarctica
Factfile |
 Amazing Antarctica |
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The Remotest Continent |
Antarctica is one of the world's last great natural wildernesses. In spite of
- or perhaps because of - its remoteness and extreme weather, it has a special beauty.
Years ago, explorers were attracted to Antarctica in the hope of making geographical discoveries or territorial claims for their countries. Today, scientists are the main draw to Antarctica as they attempt to understand global processes, such as global warming and ozone depletion.
Macquarie Island - Christo Baars
Because Antarctica has been mostly untouched by humans, it provides scientists with a natural open-air laboratory for investigating the world's climate and what might be future possible environmental changes across the world. Currently, we have lots of theories about what might happen in the future - but no concrete answers.
Antarctica's role as a world scientific resource is due to the development of the Antarctic Treaty, which states that `Antarctica shall be used for peaceful measures only…in the interests of all humanity'. The Treaty, which was first agreed by 12 nations in 1959, came into force on 23rd June 1961 and has been remarkably successful in protecting Antarctica.
Although there are a number of parts to the Treaty, the main rules are:
- Antarctica can only be used for peaceful and scientific purposes.
- Countries are allowed the freedom to choose what scientific research they would like to carry out.
- Countries will freely share scientific information.
- Countries will set aside all territorial claims in Antarctica.
- All nuclear explosions and
radioactive waste disposal are banned in Antarctica.
- The Treaty will be reviewed every year so that
further ways of protecting Antarctica can be agreed.
- All mining and drilling for oil is banned in
Antarctica.
But what of Antarctica's future? Although its environment is relatively safe for the moment as science and technology advances, Antarctica will no longer remain a frozen mystery at the bottom of the world. Such a situation will raise questions about how the 45countries that have signed to the Antarctic Treaty should sustain Antarctica for the future.
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