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Antarctica: The Construction of a Continent by and for Science

1993; Springer Nature (Netherlands); Linguagem: Inglês

10.1007/978-94-017-1221-7_3

2215-1796

Aant Elzinga,

Polar Research and Ecology

Antarctica has become a topical news item in many countries. TV programs, radio reportage and popular journals portray its harsh beauty, unique wildlife and the growing impact of tourism. The number of scientific specialties in which this cold continent has become an important aspect has increased steadily, especially during the last twenty years. Since 1961 a treaty drafted by 12 nations has been in force, regulating relationships between countries involved in Antarctic affairs. Today there are twenty-six so-called Consultative Parties to the Antarctic Treaty (Table I). These make up the "club" of nations that hold decision-making powers over the continent's future. An additional 13 countries are acceding members, or affiliates with observer status. Full membership comes only after a country has passed the test of science. According to the treaty the prior requirement for admission to the Antarctic club is the display of substantial research in the region. This has usually meant that a country has to place a research station there. The responsibility for overseeing science belongs to a non-governmental organization, the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR), under the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU). SCAR also responds to requests for advice from the treaty members, a function that has taken on increasing proportions during the past decade.