POLAR REGIONS

Polar Politics

In the Antarctic

T he politics of Antarctica could not be more different from the Arctic. No countries border Antarctica as they do the Arctic. How to Claim a New Land Various countries claim parts of Antarctica. Some areas, such as the Antarctic Peninsula, are claimed by more than one country. Different ways are used to prove a piece of land belongs to you. One is to say you were the first to discover it. In Antarctica most explorers claimed the place where they landed for their country. Another way is to say how much you have seen. In 1960 the USA claimed that their explorers had flown over more of Antarctica than any other nation. Dropping markers from aircraft was also used. Wherever the markers fell, land was claimed.

Slices of the Cake The first formal claim to part of

Antarctica was made by the British government in 1908. In all seven nations have made claims, some of which overlap. In 1950 much of Antarctica was still unknown, yet anger was building between various countries with overlapping claims. The USA and former USSR were also thinking of making claims. The USA wanted to claim all Antarctica. The Scientists’ Success Fortunately, scientists took the lead and worked together for the International Geophysical Year (see page 38). The scientists agreed they had no interest in claiming land. The year was so successful that the scientists wanted to continue. They formed the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research, SCAR for short, in 1958. This group has kept nations working together for Antarctic science. The scientists’ success led directly to the Antarctic Treaty. Twelve countries worked very hard for two years to prepare the Treaty. It was signed on December 1, 1959 and came into force in 1961. The Treaty is one of the great international agreements. It brought peace to Antarctica.

T he Antarctic Treaty has brought peace to Antarctica. At the South Pole station flags of Treaty members fly as a reminder of the benefits to be had from co-operation.

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