Antarctica Day
TODAY IS WORLD ANTARCTICA DAY
Antarctica is the world's southernmost and least populated continent, which is mainly inhabited for research. It is the fifth-largest continent on Earth and is surrounded by the Southern Ocean and contains the geographic South Pole.DISCOVERY
Mainland Antarctica was discovered in 1820 but exploration was limited to the coastal regions only. In December 1911, a Norwegian explorer, Roald Amundsen reached the South Pole first and planted the Norwegians flag on the South Pole. After two months, in January 1912, a British explorer, Captain Robert Scott also reached the South Pole. Admiral Byrd of the US navy was the first to fly over the South Pole in 1928-1929.
Countries like Norway, Britain, the USA, Russia, France, Japan and India have gone to Antarctica to conduct explorations. These countries have established their own research stations in different parts of the continent. Ex- the McMurdo station was set up by the United States and Dakshin Gangotri and Maitri by India. The Indian Antarctic Programme started in 1981 when the first Indian expedition was led by Dr. S.Z. Qasim reached Antarctica in January 1982. He and his team set up the first unmanned station Dakshin Gangotri.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES
Some of the environmental challenges that Antarctica faces due to human activity are:
- Climate change: Human-induced global warming is causing a loss of sea ice and land-based ice in Antarctica, which affects the habitats and populations of many Antarctic species. Climate change also leads to ocean acidification, which reduces the ability of some marine organisms to form shells and skeletons. Climate change is also altering the patterns of snowfall, wind and ocean currents around the continent.
- Fishing: Legal and illegal fishing activities in the Southern Ocean have depleted some fish stocks and threatened the food sources of many Antarctic predators, such as seals, penguins and whales. Fishing for krill, which are the base of many Antarctic food webs, could have significant impacts on the Antarctic ecosystem.
- Invasive species: Non-native plants and animals have been introduced to Antarctica by human activities, such as tourism, research and fishing. Some of these species may survive and spread in the warming Antarctic environment, competing with or preying on native species, or altering the soil and water quality.
- Pollution: Human activities in Antarctica have generated various forms of pollution, such as sewage, rubbish, oil spills, chemical contaminants and radioactive waste. These pollutants can harm the Antarctic wildlife, soil and water, and persist for a long time in the cold and isolated environment.
- Mining: Antarctica has potential reserves of coal, oil, gas and other minerals, but mining them would cause severe environmental damage and violate the Antarctic Treaty, which prohibits any commercial exploitation of the continent. Mining could also increase the risk of conflicts and disputes over the sovereignty and jurisdiction of Antarctica.
The Antarctic Treaty is an international agreement that regulates the relations and activities of the countries that are involved in Antarctica. It was signed in 1959 by 12 nations that had scientific interests and presence in the continent, and it entered into force in 1961. The main principles of the treaty are:
- Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes only, and no military activities or weapons testing are allowed.
- Antarctica shall be a zone of free and cooperative scientific research, and the results and data shall be exchanged and made available to all.
- No territorial claims or sovereignty disputes shall be asserted or recognized in Antarctica, and the existing claims shall be frozen.
- The treaty shall be open for accession by any state that is a member of the United Nations, or any other state invited by the parties.
- The parties shall meet periodically to consult and review the implementation of the treaty and adopt measures and recommendations for its improvement.
The Antarctic Treaty is the first arms control agreement established during the Cold War, and it has been hailed as a successful example of international cooperation and diplomacy. The treaty has been supplemented by other agreements and protocols that deal with specific issues, such as environmental protection, mineral resources, liability, and tourism. As of 2023, the treaty has 56 parties, and the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat, which is the administrative body of the treaty system, is based in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Some of the unique flora and fauna in Antarctica are:
- Flora: Antarctica has very few species of plants, mainly consisting of lichens, mosses, fungi, and algae. There are only two native species of flowering plants: Antarctic grass and Antarctic carnation. These plants have adapted to the harsh climate and low light conditions of Antarctica. Some of the other plant species found in Antarctica are Kerguelen cabbage, cushion Lyallia, Antarctic pearlwort, and Antarctic hair grass.
- Fauna: Antarctica is home to many species of animals, both on land and in the sea. Some of the most iconic animals of Antarctica are the emperor penguin, the minke whale, the Weddell seal, and the southern giant petrel. These animals have developed special features to survive the cold and scarce food resources of Antarctica. Some of the other animal species found in Antarctica are orcas, leopard seals, albatrosses, skuas, krill, and tardigrades.
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