What is it about?
There’s a surprising amount of human activity in Antarctica. This includes scientific research, logistics – and tourism. You can cruise to Antarctica, camp there, and even participate in a sporting event there. But not without threatening the delicate ecosystem. This study looked at an area of Antarctica called the Fildes Peninsula. Problems range from the disposal of waste (which is often burned), to the risks posed by people bringing in soils and plants that are not native to Antarctica. There is rubbish on the shoreline and there have been many oil spills. Animals are often disturbed by visitors, whether tourists or those working in Antarctica.
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Why is it important?
We need to make sure the pristine environment of Antarctica is protected. Many activities taking place in the Fildes Peninsula are in violation of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. Two other areas in Antarctica – Admiralty Bay and Deception Island – have been given the status of “Antarctic Specially Managed Area”. This would be a good way to make sure the Fildes Peninsula gets the protection it needs. KEY TAKEAWAY: The different organizations that take people to Antarctica must be held responsible for protecting and preserving its unique environment.
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The price of cumulative human activities in the Antarctic, Antarctic Science, November 2020, Cambridge University Press,
DOI: 10.1017/s0954102020000577.
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