Antarctic Treaty: A Symbol of Global Cooperation and Environmental Balance

Why in Discussion ?

• India recently hosted the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) and the 26th Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) in Kochi, Kerala.
• These meetings were organized by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India.
• Key discussions focused on climate change, marine biodiversity, environmental protection, and scientific collaboration.

Background and Origin

• During the Cold War, Antarctica—the last unexplored continent—attracted the attention of several countries.
• In the 1950s, countries like the USA, USSR, UK, Argentina, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand made territorial claims.
• During the International Geophysical Year (1957–58), multiple countries conducted joint scientific expeditions.
• Inspired by this spirit of collaboration, 12 countries signed an international treaty in Washington in 1959, laying the foundation of the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS).

Key Features of the Treaty

Main Objectives of the Treaty

1. Peaceful Use Only:
   • Military activities, weapon testing, or bases are prohibited.
2. Ban on Nuclear Explosions & Waste
3. Freedom of Scientific Research:
   • Open international collaboration and data sharing.
4. Suspension of Sovereignty Claims:
   • No new territorial claims are recognized.
5. Inspection Regime:
   • Member countries can inspect each other’s research stations to maintain transparency.

Antarctic Treaty System (ATS)

A multi-layered legal framework evolved from the treaty:

1. Antarctic Treaty (1959) – Main treaty
2. CCAS (1972) – Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals
3. CCAMLR (1980) – Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources
4. Madrid Protocol (1991) – Protocol on Environmental Protection:
   • Declares Antarctica as a “natural reserve dedicated to peace and science.”
   • Complete ban on mining activities.
   • Effective from 1998.

Geographical and Ecological Features

• Fourth-largest continent: 14 million sq km.
• 98% ice-covered, average thickness ~1.6 km.
• Ross Sea: Largest marine protected area in the world.
• Ice Shelves: Thwaites, Larsen, Pine Island – rapidly melting.
• Average Temperature: -49°C (coastal summer: -2°C to -10°C).

Role in Global Climate

1. Global Thermostat: Maintains Earth’s albedo (reflectivity).
2. Ocean Circulation: Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) – largest ocean current.
3. Carbon Sink: Absorbs millions of tons of CO₂ annually.
4. Impact on Sea Levels: Melting could raise sea levels by ~58 meters.

Emerging Threats

India’s Role and Initiatives

Indian Antarctic Act, 2022

• Purpose:
  • Regulate activities of Indian citizens and institutions in Antarctica.
  • Mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
  • Ensure waste management, species protection, and environmental preservation.
  • Penalties: imprisonment of 5–20 years for violations.

Strategic and Scientific Importance for India

1. Scientific Gains:
   • Climate modeling, glacial and polar studies, mineral research.
2. Geopolitical Advantage:
   • Preparing for future resource competition; strengthens India’s polar research leadership.
3. Diplomatic Benefit:
   • Active ATS participation positions India as a global environmental governance leader.

Criticisms and Challenges

Additional Facts

• Antarctica covers ~20% of the Southern Hemisphere.
• No indigenous population or countries exist.
• Mount Erebus on Ross Island: southernmost active volcano.
• Antarctica Desert: one of the driest deserts globally.
• Crucial for global temperature balance and the "ocean conveyor belt."
• Flora: lichens, mosses, terrestrial algae.
• Fauna: blue, fin, humpback, right, minke, sei, sperm whales, leopard seals, penguins.
• Supports breeding of 100 million+ birds, seals, sea lions, and other marine mammals.

Conclusion

• The Antarctic Treaty is a model of supreme international cooperation, where peace, science, and environmental protection are prioritized despite geopolitical competition.
• In the era of climate change, polar melting, and resource rivalry, its importance has grown.
• India’s active engagement and initiatives like Maitri-II reflect not only scientific advancement but also a strong commitment to sustainable global governance.