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Antarctica is a continent that feels so out of reach and far away, which is why humans often forget about the need to protect it. Antarctica faces dire circumstances as a result of human behavior and development, and people seem to underestimate how important it is.
The white continent, as it is known colloquially, helps to keep our planet balanced. The landmass reflects heat from the sun and helps to regulate the Earth’s climate. The Antarctic ice sheet holds tons of water that, if it all melted, could raise global sea levels by more than 200 feet and cause flooding.
The continent is also of huge scientific importance; many nations have scientific research stations scattered across the continent, studying everything from space to the ocean and ice, to native species, to ancient history. Boring into the ice has taught us so much about the movement of the continents, records of the climate from prior eras, and more.
Antarctica is also one of the most beautiful places on the planet. It’s practically untouched and it is so vast that it makes one feel like they are at the end of the earth.
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Antarctica has a short history, in terms of human involvement. There are a few treaties and agreements governing the continent but it’s not enough to fully protect it, and we all need a healthy functioning Antarctica in order for us to live on the earth as we know it.
The Antarctic Treaty (1959) states that Antarctica cannot be used for military purposes and will be conserved for free scientific research only. The treaty was the product of a conference in Washington D.C. between twelve nations, and numerous other countries have since agreed to it.
Another treaty, the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (1991), later added onto Antarctic prohibitions, banning mining and requiring an evaluation on environmental impact before allowing new activities.
It proved necessary to create an agreement about Antarctica after many countries made territorial claims during the first half of the 1900s, when the continent was in its discovery period. Several countries sent explorers to map it and try to reach the South Pole.
If Antarctic land is divided into a pie, large wedges of that pie were claimed by different countries, with plenty of overlap. The Antarctic Treaty does not verify any territorial claims or reject them, meaning while the treaty is active no country can establish power in Antarctica or use land for military purposes.
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Current Issues
Although most of the Southern - also known as Antarctic - Ocean is included in the treaty, fishing is still allowed. The Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition states that “...less than 5% of southern waters are fully protected,” which has allowed a huge fishing industry to flourish, in particular of one of the most important native species: krill.
Krill are hunted for food for humans (as krill oil), but also for animals such as livestock, poultry, and seafood, which humans eat. These tiny sea creatures are currently one of the most targeted species by Antarctic fisheries.
To make matters worse for the krill, global warming is causing icebergs in Antarctica to melt, which contributes to declining krill populations because krill feed on ice-algae. This National Geographic article explains in detail the relationship between krill and ice-algae, and how through ice loss the krill lose a primary food source.
The combined effect of overfishing and global warming on krill populations could have drastic effects on the whole Antarctic ecosystem because numerous animals, including many different penguin and whale species, depend on krill as a major source of food. A declining krill population will undoubtedly result in a declining whale and penguin population.
Climate change and global warming also pose a threat to a number of other Antarctic species. One example is penguins, who live on the ice and face the threat of habitat loss when icebergs and sea ice melt. Iceberg and glacier loss not only means habitat loss, but also disrupts marine environments and causes sea levels to rise.
Another issue facing the continent is tourism, which is not widespread but it has been gaining popularity in recent years, with a record number of tourists in 2023-24 season of more than 100,000. Not only do tourist boats pollute the waters, but tourists themselves can also cause problems.
There are strict guidelines for Antarctic tourists, but when not properly followed, visitors are a threat to native species and the Antarctic ecosystem. If travelers don’t properly sanitize clothing, especially shoes, before walking on any of the islands or mainland, they could potentially bring foreign germs and bacteria into the ecosystem and threaten its stability. Also, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, tourism “...can also cause damage at visitor sites and along travel routes, and disturb wildlife.”
Some tourist boats are ecologically and environmentally focused, following strict protocols and/or prioritizing conservation. For example, National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions not only offset 100% of their carbon emissions, but they also educate the passengers on the environment, don’t use any single-use plastics, and go to great lengths to protect the places they explore.
Conclusion
Despite rising tourism, Antarctica is one of the only places on earth that is almost completely left alone by humans; it is largely pristine wilderness, which is difficult to find in today’s world. Considering there are so few truly wild places left, it’s worth preserving. And considering the critical role that Antarctica plays in our global environmental and ecological health, we should be prioritizing its preservation.
In a world where environmental protection and justice are consistently in the news, people often forget about Antarctica. There are many ways that you, as an individual, can help keep Antarctica safe from exploitation. If you plan to visit, pick a reputable and responsible organization.
Donate to environmental organizations that are working to protect the white continent. You can use your voice to educate others about the fragile beauty of the ice and all that depends on it.
The time to help protect Antarctica is now.
