A new report from Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future (SAEF) highlights the need for strengthened governance in Antarctica, responding to emerging threats such as extreme precipitation events and potential militarization. The 131 experts involved across 40 countries warned of 10 emerging threats, including global disruptions like pandemics and geopolitical conflicts.
According to SAEF Research Fellow Dr Zachary Carter, persistent environmental and geopolitical pressures continue to shape the region’s conservation challenges. However, the report also identifies new threats reflecting broader global developments, such as iceberg harvesting and agricultural expansion.
The Antarctic Treaty System faces a structural vulnerability in responding to emerging threats driven by global change. To address this, the system’s capacity must be strengthened to address external pressures. By leveraging existing international cooperation provisions, there is potential to strengthen protection of Antarctica’s environment before irreversible consequences arise.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1094646