Antarctica: The Continuing ExperimentOne of a series of booklets on world issues examines the sharpened differences between those nations that have declared sovereignty over parts of Antarctica and those that have not; between those nations that have arbitrarily assumed responsibility for the administration of Antarctica and the smaller, more numerous nations that believe their exclusion is unjustified; and between those who believe that the exploration and ultimate exploitation of Antarctic resources are desirable or inevitable and those who, as scientists or environmentalists, hope that the continent can be protected forever as a world preserve open only to researchers. Chapter one discusses the historical background, the International Geophysical Year, and the conflict over territorial claims. Chapter two examines the Antarctic Treaty. Chapter three discusses the resources of Antarctica, including marine life, minerals, tourism, icebergs as a water supply, disposal of radioactive wastes, cold storage, and alternative energy sources. Chapter four emphasizes the idea that Antarctica and its development is in the interest of all peoples of the world. Chapter five discusses the future of the treaty system. The "Talking It Over" section offers questions for discussion groups and students. The document concludes with a reproduction of the Antarctic Treaty signed December 1, 1959. (RSL) |
Common terms and phrases
acceding accession activity agreement Antarctic environment Antarctic krill Antarctic Peninsula Antarctic Research Antarctic resources Antarctic Treaty system areas Article asserted Australia Britain Chile and Argentina claim in Antarctica claims issue coastal common heritage Conference consensus Consultative Parties consultative status continent Contracting Parties convention cooperation countries decision depositary Government deposits Dufek Massif economic ensure enter into force entitled to participate environmental environmentalists expedition Foreign Policy Association global Group of 77 Ice Shelf icebergs interest in Antarctica International Geophysical jurisdiction krill living resources marine meetings provided minerals regime modification or amendment negotiation nuclear Parties whose representatives peaceful purposes Polar Research Board present Treaty protection ratification representatives are entitled Resources of Antarctica Ross Ice Shelf Ross Sea scientific stations scientists seabed signatory South Pole Southern Ocean sovereignty in Antarctica Soviet Union species territorial claims territorial sovereignty Third World treaty nations United Nations USSR Weddell Sea whales Zealand