How people interact with their environment?
How is Antarctica Governed?
The governance of Antarctica is carried out by the Consultative Nations of the Antarctic Treaty during an annual "Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting".
These are the Countries that play an active role in Antarctica by being engaged in substantial scientific research activity. Only the consultative parties have voting rights and can make decisions about Antarctica, there are 29 Consultative Nations.
They meet: "for the purpose of exchanging information, consulting together on matters of common interest pertaining to Antarctica, and formulating and considering and recommending to their Governments measures in furtherance of the principles and objectives of the Treaty" (Art. IX).
01 Jun 2015 - 10 Jun 2015Sofia, Bulgaria28 Apr 2014 - 07 May 2014Brasilia, Brazil20 May 2013 - 29 May 2013Brussels, Belgium11 Jun 2012 - 20 Jun 2012Hobart, Australia20 Jun 2011 - 01 Jul 2011Buenos Aires, Argentina03 May 2010 - 14 May 2010Punta del Este, Uruguay
These are the Countries that play an active role in Antarctica by being engaged in substantial scientific research activity. Only the consultative parties have voting rights and can make decisions about Antarctica, there are 29 Consultative Nations.
They meet: "for the purpose of exchanging information, consulting together on matters of common interest pertaining to Antarctica, and formulating and considering and recommending to their Governments measures in furtherance of the principles and objectives of the Treaty" (Art. IX).
- Consultative nations, in order of date of becoming a consultative party: United Kingdom, South Africa, Belgium, Japan, United States of America, Norway, France, New Zealand, Russia, Poland, Argentina, Australia, Chile, Netherlands, German Democratic Republic, Brazil, Bulgaria, Germany, Federal Republic of, Uruguay, Italy, Peru, Spain, China, People's Republic of, India, Sweden, Finland, Korea, Republic of Ecuador, Ukraine.
01 Jun 2015 - 10 Jun 2015Sofia, Bulgaria28 Apr 2014 - 07 May 2014Brasilia, Brazil20 May 2013 - 29 May 2013Brussels, Belgium11 Jun 2012 - 20 Jun 2012Hobart, Australia20 Jun 2011 - 01 Jul 2011Buenos Aires, Argentina03 May 2010 - 14 May 2010Punta del Este, Uruguay
Issues to be Addressed
There are minerals, coal and almost certainly oil in Antarctica and under the surrounding seas. At the moment it is not economically viable to attempt to recover them. In the future however as technology improves and especially if global warming leads to deglacierisation and reduced sea-ice so exposing more areas and improving access, it will almost certainly become commercially viable to recover at least some of these natural resources.
At this point there will be some much more contentious issues to be addressed:
The agreement not to mine for minerals or drill for oil ends in 2048.
The Antarctic Peninsula is the most likely area to be exploited as it is the most accessible place and has been affected by warming more than any other region.
At this point there will be some much more contentious issues to be addressed:
- Should it be allowed to drill for oil in Antarctic waters, or exploit other mineral wealth?
- If it is, what environmental safeguards should there be?
- Who do the oil / minerals belong to? (especially tricky one that)
- Is the Antarctic Treaty sufficient to continue to govern and make decisions in these circumstances?
- Will the countries who want the resources respect the Antarctic Treaty, or try to undermine it to get what they want for themselves?
The agreement not to mine for minerals or drill for oil ends in 2048.
The Antarctic Peninsula is the most likely area to be exploited as it is the most accessible place and has been affected by warming more than any other region.
Are there any Territorial claims in Antarctica?
There are seven nations that have claimed territory in Antarctica:
Argentina, Australia, Britain, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway
These claims are based on discovery and effective occupation of the claimed area, they are legal according to the laws* of each of these nations. Three of these countries, the United Kingdom, Chile and Argentina, have overlapping claims in the region of the Antarctic Peninsula. There is a section of Marie Byrd Land that is unclaimed. The Norwegian claim does not have defined northerly or southerly limits.
No new claims have been made since the Antarctic Treaty came into force in 1961, all such claims have been suspended under the Antarctic Treaty. The USA and Russia have reserved the right to make territorial claims in the future but do not recognise the claims of others. Recognition of the respective claims by other countries is on an individual basis by each country and s outside of the Antarctic Treaty.
Argentina, Australia, Britain, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway
These claims are based on discovery and effective occupation of the claimed area, they are legal according to the laws* of each of these nations. Three of these countries, the United Kingdom, Chile and Argentina, have overlapping claims in the region of the Antarctic Peninsula. There is a section of Marie Byrd Land that is unclaimed. The Norwegian claim does not have defined northerly or southerly limits.
No new claims have been made since the Antarctic Treaty came into force in 1961, all such claims have been suspended under the Antarctic Treaty. The USA and Russia have reserved the right to make territorial claims in the future but do not recognise the claims of others. Recognition of the respective claims by other countries is on an individual basis by each country and s outside of the Antarctic Treaty.