Union Glacier Flashcards
Location and background of union glacier
Union Glacier is a large expanse of ice in the Ellsworth Range, part of the
Trans-antarctic Mountains that stretch through the centre of the continent. It is operated by Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions but also serves private expeditions, research and limited tourism.
How have they minimised impacts and been sustainable?
✔Guest are encouraged to use a minimum amount of water when showering.
✔ Human waste is transported away from camp and guest are given pee bottles.
✔ Tents are naturally heated by 24hr sunlight during the Antarctic summer.
✔ Equipment is powered by solar energy to reduce the use of fossil fuels.
✔ Strict controls on preventing species outside of the Antarctic ecosystem from
entering.
What have been the negative impacts and not been sustainable?
X Rescue operations to anyone injured or in danger would be greatly restricted.
X There’s risk of few individuals committing environmental misconduct and damage.
X Tourist still have to travel huge distances to the base, meaning tourists would have a large carbon footprint for visiting.
