Arguments against Development
Antarctica is the last great wilderness and should remain so. Once it is developed, it will be lost forever.
For research programmes to be of any real benefit, Antarctica's environment needs to remain as near natural as possible.
Not enough is known about how Antarctica's environment might be affected by development. In such a cold climate, it takes the environment a long time to recover from any damage.
If any resources were found in Antarctica, they will only last a few decades. It would be better to invest money in finding ways to reduce our current use of resources.
Antarctica - HMS Endurance
Arguments for Development
Developers have acquired now an enormous amount of experience of how to protect unique environments such as the Arctic.
Strict control can be imposed on developers to minimize any environmental change in Antarctica.
By allowing a small amount of development in Antarctica, we have the opportunity to find out the effect of development on the environment.
As the world's population is increasing, people will require new resources to
support them.
Pipeline in Alaska - Chris Carey
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Antarctica's Future