Antarctica (Sustaining Ecosystems) :)

Question 1

How many countries have signed the antarctic treaty?

Answer 1

52 coutries

Question 2

Name some successes of the antarctic treaty: (conflict, research)

Answer 2

• Under the Treaty, countries have enjoyed peaceful cooperation with no conflict.
• Research has contributed significantly to knowledge of the Earth and is supporting the protection of the global environment.

Question 3

Name some failures of the antarctic treaty: (expire, conflict)

Answer 3

• The Antarctic Treaty is due to expire in 2048.
• There are pressures from an increase in tourism and demand for precious mineral resources. This could be a source of conflict in the future.

Question 4

Name three activities at Union Glacier:

Answer 4

• Walking or cross-country skiing, such as following the footsteps of famous
  Antarctic explorers.
• Climbing mountains such as Mount Vinson.
• Visiting penguin colonies

Question 5

Name two ways Union Glacier is trying to be sustainable: (solar, waste)

Answer 5

• Equipment is powered by solar energy to reduce the use of fossil fuels.
• Human waste is transported away from camp and guest are given pee bottles.

Question 6

Name two potential environmental problems of union glacier

Answer 6

• Tourist still have to travel huge distances to the base, meaning tourists would
  have a large carbon footprint for visiting.
• Increasing demands for tourism in Antarctic may pose environmental problems to the fragile ecosystem in the future.