Antarctica as a Global Common

What is the average temperature of Antarctica?

-49°C

What is the Antarctic Convergence?

the northern boundary of the Antarctic global common

Why is biological productivity low in Antarctica?

• cold and dry climate

• limited availability of sunlight

What microorganism is the primary source of productivity in the Southern Ocean?

phytoplankton

Why is Antarctica a vulnerable environment?

• extreme climate

• fragile ecosystems

• increasing human activities

• it is one of the fastest warming regions on Earth

Why is there growing interest in mining minerals in Antarctica?

• technological advancements make extraction easier

• increased demand from population growth and economic development

What are the two main types of vegetation found in Antarctica?

• mosses

• lichens

What is the primary threat to the Patagonian Toothfish?

unsustainable fishing, putting it at risk of becoming endangered

Why is overfishing of krill a significant threat to the Antarctic ecosystem?

• krill are a primary food source for many species, such as whales, seals, and penguins

• the decline of krill could lead to population declines and the potential extinction of other species

Why do whale populations take a long time to recover from hunting?

whales are very slow to reproduce, usually giving birth to only one calf at a time with gestation periods lasting between 9 and 18 months

What are some of the mineral resources found in Antarctica?

• coal

• iron ore

• copper

• gold

• platinum

• oil reserves under the Southern Ocean

How many research stations are there in Antarctica?

82

What is the albedo effect, and how does it relate to climate change in Antarctica?

• the reflection of solar radiation by light coloured surfaces

• as glaciers and ice sheets melt in Antarctica, the dark coloured ocean or land surface absorbs more of the sun's energy, causing more warming and contributing to a positive feedback loop

How is climate change affecting Adélie penguins?

climate change is causing a significant population decline in Adélie penguins as they need stable sea ice to build their nests and raise their young - the loss of sea ice affects their breeding and survival

How many tourists visited Antarctica in 2019/20?

~75,000

What is the Antarctic Treaty?

an international agreement that sets aside Antarctica as a scientific preserve, bans military activity on the continent, and suspends territorial claims

In what year was the Antarctic Treaty signed?

1959

How many countries have made territorial claims to parts of Antarctica?

7 countries

What countries have made territorial claims to parts of Antarctica?

• Australia

• Argentina

• Chile

• Norway

• France

• New Zealand

• the UK

What does UNEP stand for, and how does it help protect Antarctica?

the United Nations Environment Programme

• coordinates global policies

• supports research and monitoring

• raises awareness

• supports responsible tourism strategies

What is the main purpose of the International Whaling Commission (IWC)?

to provide for the proper conservation of whale stocks

What is the Protocol on Environmental Protection (the Madrid Protocol)?

an agreement that established Antarctica as a 'natural reserve, devoted to peace and science' and enhanced environmental protection measures

In what year was the Madrid Protocol signed?

1991

What is the non-governmental organisation (NGO) ASOC, and what is its role in Antarctica?

the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition

• promotes scientific research in Antarctica

• promotes the conservation and sustainable use of Antarctica

• raises awareness of environmental issues

• fights for stronger environmental protections

What are some strengths of the Antarctic Treaty?

• lasted over 60 years with no major problems

• promotes peaceful cooperation

• helped to prevent military conflict and tensions

• promotes scientific research

What are some weaknesses of the International Whaling Commission?

• members are free to optout and there are no penalties for leaving

• countries can choose not to follow IWC regulations

• there are loopholes in the IWC regulations

What is a Marine Protected Area (MPA), and why is ASOC promoting them?

• a zone of the ocean where human activity is restricted for conservation purposes

• ASOC promotes MPAs to conserve and protect the diverse and unique wildlife in Antarctica, such as penguins, whales, and seals