2025 December English II Benchmark- ECR

Antarctica: Governing the Icy Continent

1 Antarctica. The name alone conjures a vision of a pristine, icy wilderness surrounded by silence. For much of human history, this was a fairly accurate portrait of Antarctica. Now, however, in addition to native inhabitants such as penguins and seals, scientists from all over the world make their home in the Antarctic. These scientists conduct research on a range of subjects, including ecosystems, weather patterns, and the effects of pollution. And surprisingly, increasing numbers of tourists are visiting Antarctica to mountain climb, camp, or ski. Who governs these activities when so many nations have a presence on the continent?

Governed by Treaty

2 By the 1940s, seven countries had laid claim to territory in Antarctica. Some of those territories overlapped, and some countries would not recognize the claims made by other nations. There was no agreement about who held authority. By the mid-1950s, however, scientists were eager to use Antarctica as a base for international research. The research teams who participated in the massive 67-nation scientific project known as the International Geophysical Year demonstrated how the icy continent could be shared. Beginning in 1957, they worked together to establish coastal bases and inland stations in Antarctica. From these bases, they made valuable discoveries about the atmosphere, oceanography, and many other topics. Their success inspired 12 countries, including Argentina, Chile, Great Britain, France, and the United States, to create the Antarctic Treaty in 1959. This was the first document outlining how each nation would use the continent. The treaty went into effect in 1961.

3 Even though the Antarctic Treaty was negotiated by a dozen countries with differing interests, the resulting document was simple. It stated that the continent could not be used for military purposes. The main purpose for being on Antarctica would be to conduct scientific research. The treaty also stipulated that countries had to provide advance notice of any Antarctic expeditions. In addition, the signers agreed to meet periodically to discuss the goals of the treaty. At the time, no one could foresee some of the changes that would occur over the next 60 years.

Addressing New Issues

4 Since 1959, more countries have joined the agreement, and its objectives have been expanded. While the initial document focused on research and keeping the peace, later documents covered the protection of marine life in and around Antarctica.

5 In 1991 another agreement reinforced the original intent of the treaty while adding that activities such as mining, drilling, and exploration of minerals would be banned indefinitely. Combined, these additional documents now make up the Antarctic Treaty, and 54 nations have signed the agreement. But new concerns need to be addressed, including the increased presence of humans in this once untouched wilderness.

6 In the years since the Antarctic Treaty was signed, activities on the continent have changed. Science and exploration are still the main pursuits, but advances in technology have made traveling to the southern continent easier than it once was. Because of this, tourism in Antarctica has gained in popularity. In the 2018–2019 season, more than 56,000 tourists visited Antarctica.

7 At first, most tourism involved sailing along the coast or flying over the land. Cruise ships sail to Antarctica frequently from November through March. However, tour operators now offer outings on or near the land, including kayaking, mountain climbing, and skiing. Some nations hope to profit from expanding such land-based tourism. Scientists and regulators are evaluating the impact such permanent facilities as visitor centers, museums, and hotels would have on the environment.

8 In 1991 tour operators formed the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators to support responsible travel, but according to Claire Christian of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition, “There aren’t a lot of hard rules governing tourism. It’s mostly voluntary.” The Antarctic Treaty System is now faced with many questions about how best to regulate tourism.

The Future of Antarctica

9 Tourism is currently managed by the tour operators from various countries who shepherd the tourists to and from the continent. However, the Antarctic Treaty system will be monitoring the effects of tourism. Some areas of concern include the potential introduction of invasive species and damage to the environment caused by ships dumping waste in the ocean. Scientists also worry that visitors may disturb penguins, elephant seals, and other native species. Lastly, tourists who become ill or injured have little access to medical facilities on this remote continent. The parties to the Antarctic Treaty have begun discussing how to manage tourism, but reaching an agreement will take time.

10Whatever Antarctica’s future holds, there will never be another place on Earth quite like this continent. Nowhere else on the planet have nations agreed to work together to maintain peace, support scientific research, and protect the environment. While the presence of humans on the continent is cause for concern, the Antarctic Treaty affirms that humans are also working together to protect the continent. That sense of purpose and collaboration is something to celebrate.