Why Does Antarctica’S Tourism Impact It?

Between 1992 and 2020, the number of tourists visiting Antarctica increased tenfold, leading to negative environmental impacts such as the release of black carbon from cruise ship funnels and the potential introduction of invasive species. The rapid growth of tourism in Antarctica poses a threat to visitor safety and the fragile region already struggling under the effects of climate change.

The Environmental Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty does not specifically address tourism, but its provisions aim to minimize the adverse impacts of tourists by protecting Antarctica’s fragile environment. Antarctic travel has a high carbon footprint, causing damage at visitor sites and along travel routes, and disturbing wildlife. Research has shown that tourist activities are causing penguin species to change their reproductive and social behaviors.

The negative impacts of tourism compound other threats to Antarctica’s wildlife and ecosystems, such as climate change and invasive alien species. Antarctic tourism directly imperils an already fragile ecosystem, with soot deposits from ship engines accelerating snow melting and hikes damaging wildlife. Additionally, each tourist arrival accounts for an average of 83 tons of snow loss due to black soot.

As travel to Antarctica is expensive, tourists tend to be more educated and influential than the average tourist profile. In tourist hotspots, cruise ships must queue to disembark passengers, potentially putting fragile ecosystems at risk. From an ecological perspective, the Antarctic tourism season corresponds with the peak breeding season for several Antarctic wildlife.

Why does tourism affect the environment?

The practice of tourism has been identified as a significant contributor to the overconsumption of natural resources, which in turn has been linked to a range of environmental issues. These include soil erosion, pollution, habitat loss, and increased pressure on endangered species, particularly in areas where resources are scarce. The impact of tourism on local land use is also a cause for concern.

Why is tourism a problem in Antarctica?

Between 2016 and 2020, each tourist in Antarctica was melting around 83 tonnes of snow due to emissions from cruise ships. The Antarctic Treaty, established in 1961, operates on a consultative basis, requiring all 56 parties to agree before changes can be implemented. The last major decision on tourism was a 2009 measure that prohibited cruise ships carrying more than 500 passengers from making landings. However, this regulation has not been officially implemented as not every signatory country has ratified it domestically.

The International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) has adopted this regulation, restricting the number of ships visiting sites per day and the number of passengers ashore at any one time.

What is the main problem in Antarctica?

The most significant long-term threat to Antarctica is climate change, which is causing notable ice retreat and the collapse of ice shelves in some areas, while in others, ice growth is occurring. Should the Southern Ocean continue to warm and acidify, the krill population could be devastated, thereby undermining the entire food chain.

What is the significance of a visit to Antarctica?

Antarctica offers an enlightening experience for students studying future climatic changes and environmental impacts. Tishani Doshi’s Journey to the End of the Earth, a CBSE Class 12 English chapter, provides an in-depth exploration of the continent’s cool, windiest, and driest aspects. Students can use this chapter to prepare for exams and score well in exams. The chapter includes important questions, such as “How do geological phenomena help us know about the history of mankind?”, which can help students understand the impact of environmental changes on the future world. These questions can help students prepare for exams and prepare them for the challenges of the future.

Why can’t you fly over Antarctica?

Antarctica is not illegal to fly over, but it is challenging due to limited infrastructure, landing strips, and refueling stations. To book an adventure, it is recommended to book with experienced operators specializing in polar exploration. Quark Expeditions offers various polar expeditions, including the Antarctic Express: Fly The Drake itinerary, which takes you over the southern continent via the Drake Passage by chartered plane. This 8-day adventure explores the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, offering hiking excursions and polar plunges depending on weather conditions.

Quark Expeditions’ guests have experience airborne in Antarctica, including an earlier trip to Snow Island to see the Emperor penguin colony. Due to icy conditions in the Weddell Sea and the location of one of the world’s largest penguin rookeries, guests can go by ship, transfer to helicopter, and cover the last stretch on foot for an unforgettable view of the penguins.

What do tourists do when they visit Antarctica?

Tourist activities in Antarctica include sightseeing cruises, visits to scientific stations, small boat cruising, wildlife sites, hiking, kayaking, mountaineering, camping, and scuba diving. Most visits are ship or yacht-based, with a small proportion of land-based in temporary field camps. Landings are short, moderately intense, and can be done using inflatable crafts or helicopters. Field staff supervise all shore visits, with a ratio of one member for every 10-20 tourists. Staff typically have past Antarctic experience and can be employed in various fields such as ornithologists, marine biologists, geologists, glaciologists, historians, and naturalists.

Why can’t you go to Antarctica with wisdom teeth?

Dental complications in Antarctica are high, with wisdom teeth being removed only when abnormal. Dental infections can be dangerous, and scientists who develop a wisdom tooth infection may not be able to reach proper medical care before serious damage occurs. Extraction of unerupted or impacted wisdom teeth is often required for scientists traveling to the continent. Scientists “wintering over” are screened thoroughly due to the extreme conditions, such as darkness and low temperatures, making it difficult for rescue aircraft to fly into Antarctica in case of an emergency.

In 1999, physician Jerri Nielsen FitzGerald discovered a lump on her breast and diagnosed herself with breast cancer. To save her, they flew over NSF’s Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, dropping chemotherapy for her to administer herself.

What are the benefits of tourists visiting Antarctica?

Antarctica is a unique destination with a remarkably uninhabited nature, allowing visitors to observe the flightless penguins, whales, and seals in their natural habitats. These birds have never experienced predators on land, making them confident and curious. Observing their feeding and breeding grounds offers a glimpse into their lives in the wild. Antarctica is also a scientific wonder, with scientific bases like Paradise Bay and the South Pole being ideal for stargazing due to its clear air, stable weather, and absence of light pollution. This provides scientists with a clearer picture of the universe and offers travelers the opportunity to view a unique night sky.

Why is Antarctica so popular with tourists?

Antarctica, a popular tourist destination known for its icebergs, mountains, glaciers, and wildlife, has seen a significant increase in visitors, with over 37, 800 visiting in 2008-09. The majority of these visits are during the warmer summer months, primarily to the Antarctic Peninsula. This increase raises concerns about the sustainability and environmental impact of the fragile environment, as it is confined to certain areas and intensified over specific months.

Why is Antarctica difficult to visit?

Antarctica is the toughest landmass on Earth to reach, and visitors must obtain a permit and follow the Antarctic Conservation Act to protect the pristine ecosystem. To witness the vast interior of Antarctica, flights are necessary, as cruise ships typically focus on the peninsula area. There are no airports in Antarctica, but makeshift landing strips can be opened upon request.

There are three options for traveling to Antarctica by plane: a fly-over, a standard fly-in, and a fly-cruise. A fly-over is the most straightforward way to view Antarctica, allowing visitors to see the continent from a comfortable leather plane seat. Fly-overs take less than a day and don’t require a two-week work schedule like a cruise. Fly-overs offer a comfortable and convenient way to explore Antarctica without the need for a permit or strict adherence to the Antarctic Conservation Act.

Why is Antarctica not allowed to be visited?

The Antarctic Treaty’s Protocol on Environmental Protection, signed in 1991, is the only international agreement designed to protect Antarctica. It ensures careful planning and management of human activity, including scientific research, tourism, and exploration. The Protocol prohibits commercial mining and protects vulnerable areas, animals, and plants. Tourists, military personnel, and scientific researchers can visit Antarctica, but they require a permit from a Treaty Party.

British expeditions to Antarctica or vessels or aircraft entering Antarctica must apply for permits from the Polar Regions Department of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). British expeditions are those organized in the UK, including overseas territories or Crown Dependencies, and involve activities such as landing ashore, skiing, kayaking, small boat activities, climbing, and diving. British flagged vessels or registered aircraft also require permits.