What are the downfalls of developing Antarctica?

What are the downfalls of developing Antarctica?

Disadvantages

• FISHING – Over-fishing could become an issue as companies try to exploit the vast profits that could be gained.
• MINING – Could collapse the Western Antarctic ice sheet which would lead to huge rises in sea levels worldwide.

What are the top three main threats facing Antarctica?

Threats

• 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.

Why should Antarctica be developed?

This frozen continent is key to understanding how our world works, and our impact upon it. Antarctica is important for science because of its profound effect on the Earth’s climate and ocean systems. As well as being the world’s most important natural laboratory, the Antarctic is a place of great beauty and wonder.

Why is climate change a threat to Antarctica?

The warming of the Antarctic Peninsula is causing changes to the physical and living environment of Antarctica. The distribution of penguin colonies has changed as the sea ice conditions alter. Melting of perennial snow and ice covers has resulted in increased colonisation by plants.

How are we protecting Antarctica?

The Environmental Protocol of the Antarctic Treaty, sometimes called the “Madrid Protocol”, became law in 1998 after legislation in each of the member countries. One of the ways in which this protects Antarctica is by only allowing visitors to Antarctica by member nations as long as they are given a permit to do so.

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.

How is Antarctica being protected?

Through the Madrid Protocol on Environmental Protection (Protocol, and entered into force in 1998), ,which designates Antarctica as an area dedicated to peace and science, Antarctica’s flora and fauna are protected, and fishing is increasingly regulated via CCAMLR.

How is the future of Antarctica being protected?

Future of Antarctica. Antarctica is fully protected from mineral exploitation and conflict. Under the Antarctic Treaty, Antarctica is a continent dedicated to peace and science. The Environmental Protocol (1991) also currently sets out a comprehensive protection of Antarctica.

Why was Antarctica included in the Environmental Protocol?

Under the Antarctic Treaty, Antarctica is a continent dedicated to peace and science. The Environmental Protocol (1991) also currently sets out a comprehensive protection of Antarctica.

What kind of research is taking place in Antarctica?

Bioprospecting is taking place in Antarctica and it is possible that these activities will increase in the future. A number of commercial products have been produced directly from Antarctic genetic material although some research is now quite advanced.

Is it possible to have tourism in Antarctica?

Tourism could occur in places like the Antarctic Peninsula, they could get there by boat from the tip of South America. In fact, the first signs of development are already being uncovered: tourism has definitely started and many countries have research bases.