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Antarctica's Future Quick Facts  QUICK FACTS - Antarctica's Future 98% of Antarctica is covered by thick ice but underneath may lie valuable mineral deposits. Antarctica is not `owned' by any one country. Under the terms of the Antarctic Treaty, the continent is protected and is used for peaceful purposes only. Tourists to Antarctica have to follow a strict `Code of Conduct' to make sure that their presence does not add more stress to Antarctica's fragile ecosystem. Both Antarctica and the Arctic are being affected by world environmental problems, such as global warming and ozone depletion. In the Arctic global warming is melting the vast sheets of ice which polar bears and their prey on live. The bears are starving because there is less prey for them to catch. Man-made CFCs and other ozone depleting gases have very long lifetimes and can remain in the atmosphere for over 100 years. Only about 4.5% of the world's power comes from renewable sources. Many countries are still very dependent on fossil fuels, but world leaders are trying to make the change to alternative energy. Alternative energy sources include wind and wave power, geothermal energy (accessing heat from near the surface of the Earth) and solar power. It is not only governments who can make a difference to global warming - you can too! We all have to work together to help prevent global warming, so no action is too small. A good way to start is by recycling. Glass, plastic, paper and drinks cans can all be recycled. Recycling products helps to reduce landfills, sources of the greenhouse gas, methane. The average car powered by petrol produces it's own weight in carbon dioxide fumes every year. Carbon dioxide is one of the greenhouse gases responsible for global warming. Rather than travel by car - why not try to walk more? More Information >> Antarctica's Future Contents >> Quick Facts<< Introduction The Battle for Antarctica The Earth's Resources Antarctica's Natural Resources Development ? Poll Antarctica's Future Links