Resources in Antarctica: With the World’s dwindling natural resources, is there a chance for exploitation in Antarctica?

Abstract

Pressure on global resources increases daily as the worlds human population and its demand for energy, raw materials, food, water and health care increases almost exponentially. Naturally such growth puts pressure on resources and is therefore inevitable that relatively untouched areas Of the world such as Antarctica come under the spotlight. From an almost unlimited number Of potential resources for exploitation, the syndicate chose to concentrate on five areas considered to be the most significant in terms Of their current and fu ture relevance. W•hilst the pressure to exploit some resources seems distant in terms Of time and economic viability, exploitation has already begun in the Southern Ocean and coastal waters Of Antarctica. Fishing, bioprospecting and the potential Of iceberg utilisation are all activities which can occur With minimal environmental impact if they are well managed. Prospecting and extraction Of Oil and mineral resources are likely to cause significant problems for otherwise pristine areas. Above all, the exploitation Of Antarctic resources poses the greatest threat to the current stability Of the ATS and the Wider Antarctic political framework. The increasing global pressure to use resources Of any kind from Antarctica, underlines the need to strengthen existing Treaty and Protocol statements and intentions, in order to provide the world With a single Antarctic voice With which to guide its future approach to this unique region Of the planet. Pressure on global resources increases daily as the worlds human population and its demand for energy, raw materials, food, water and health care increases almost exponentially. Naturally such growth puts pressure on resources and is therefore inevitable that relatively untouched areas Of the world such as Antarctica come under the spotlight. From an almost unlimited number Of potential resources for exploitation, the syndicate chose to concentrate on five areas considered to be the most significant in terms Of their current and fu ture relevance. W•hilst the pressure to exploit some resources seems distant in terms Of time and economic viability, exploitation has already begun in the Southern Ocean and coastal waters Of Antarctica. Fishing, bioprospecting and the potential Of iceberg utilisation are all activities which can occur With minimal environmental impact if they are well managed. Prospecting and extraction Of Oil and mineral resources are likely to cause significant problems for otherwise pristine areas. Above all, the exploitation Of Antarctic resources poses the greatest threat to the current stability Of the ATS and the Wider Antarctic political framework. The increasing global pressure to use resources Of any kind from Antarctica, underlines the need to strengthen existing Treaty and Protocol statements and intentions, in order to provide the world With a single Antarctic voice With which to guide its future approach to this unique region Of the planet.