Question
Antarctica. The name alone conjures a vision of a pristine, icy wilderness
surrounded by silence. For much of human history, this was a fairly accurate portrait of
Antarctica. Now, however, in addition to native inhabitants such as penguins and seals,
scientists from all over the world make their home in the Antarctic. These scientists
conduct research on a range of subjects, including ecosystems, weather patterns, and
the effects of pollution. And surprisingly, increasing numbers of tourists are visiting
Antarctica to mountain climb, camp, or ski. Who governs these activities when so many
nations have a presence on the continent?
Governed by Treaty
2 By the 1940s, seven countries had laid claim to territory in Antarctica. Some of
those territories overlapped, and some countries would not recognize the claims made
by other nations. There was no agreement about who held authority. By the mid-1950s,
however, scientists were eager to use Antarctica as a base for international research.
The research teams who participated in the massive 67-nation scientific project known
as the International Geophysical Year demonstrated how the icy continent could be
shared. Beginning in 1957, they worked together to establish coastal bases and inland
stations in Antarctica. From these bases, they made valuable discoveries about the
atmosphere, oceanography, and many other topics. Their success inspired 12 countries,
including Argentina, Chile, Great Britain, France, and the United States, to create the
Antarctic Treaty in 1959. This was the first document outlining how each nation would
use the continent. The treaty went into effect in 1961.
3 Even though the Antarctic Treaty was negotiated by a dozen countries with differing
interests, the resulting document was simple. It stated that the continent could not be
used for military purposes. The main purpose for being on Antarctica would be to
conduct scientific research. The treaty also stipulated that countries had to provide
advance notice of any Antarctic expeditions. In addition, the signers agreed to meet
periodically to discuss the goals of the treaty. At the time, no one could foresee some of
the changes that would occur over the next 60 years.
Addressing New Issues
4 Since 1959, more countries have joined the agreement, and its objectives have
been expanded. While the initial document focused on research and keeping the peace,
later documents covered the protection of marine life in and around Antarctica.
5 In 1991 another agreement reinforced the original intent of the treaty while adding
that activities such as mining, drilling, and exploration of minerals would be banned
indefinitely. Combined, these additional documents now make up the Antarctic Treaty,
and 54 nations have signed the agreement. But new concerns need to be addressed,
including the increased presence of humans in this once untouched wilderness.
6 In the years since the Antarctic Treaty was signed, activities on the continent have
changed. Science and exploration are still the main pursuits, but advances in
technology have made traveling to the southern continent easier than it once was.
Because of this, tourism in Antarctica has gained in popularity. In the 2018–2019
season, more than 56,000 tourists visited Antarctica.
At first, most tourism involved sailing along the coast or flying over the land. Cruise
ships sail to Antarctica frequently from November through March. However, tour
operators now offer outings on or near the land, including kayaking, mountain climbing,
and skiing. Some nations hope to profit from expanding such land-based tourism.
Scientists and regulators are evaluating the impact such permanent facilities as visitor
centers, museums, and hotels would have on the environment.
8 In 1991 tour operators formed the International Association of Antarctica Tour
Operators to support responsible travel, but according to Claire Christian of the
Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition, “There aren’t a lot of hard rules governing
tourism. It’s mostly voluntary.” The Antarctic Treaty System is now faced with many
questions about how best to regulate tourism.
The Future of Antarctica
9 Tourism is currently managed by the tour operators from various countries who
shepherd the tourists to and from the continent. However, the Antarctic Treaty system
will be monitoring the effects of tourism. Some areas of concern include the potential
introduction of invasive species and damage to the environment caused by ships
dumping waste in the ocean. Scientists also worry that visitors may disturb penguins,
elephant seals, and other native species. Lastly, tourists who become ill or injured have
little access to medical facilities on this remote continent. The parties to the Antarctic
Treaty have begun discussing how to manage tourism, but reaching an agreement will
take time.
10 Whatever Antarctica’s future holds, there will never be another place on Earth quite
like this continent. Nowhere else on the planet have nations agreed to work together to
maintain peace, support scientific research, and protect the environment. While the
presence of humans on the continent is cause for concern, the Antarctic Treaty affirms
that humans are also working together to protect the continent. That sense of purpose
and collaboration is something to celebrate.
Read the article "Antarctica: Governing the Icy Continent." Based on the information in the article, write a response to the following:
Explain what makes the situation in Antarctica unusual.
Write a well-organized informational composition that uses specific evidence from the article to support your answer.
1.Identify the prompt and the question it is asking2. Read and annotate the text3. Create a thesis statement (4 square)4. Find evidence to support your thesis and explain your evidence(4square)5. Construct your essay.
surrounded by silence. For much of human history, this was a fairly accurate portrait of
Antarctica. Now, however, in addition to native inhabitants such as penguins and seals,
scientists from all over the world make their home in the Antarctic. These scientists
conduct research on a range of subjects, including ecosystems, weather patterns, and
the effects of pollution. And surprisingly, increasing numbers of tourists are visiting
Antarctica to mountain climb, camp, or ski. Who governs these activities when so many
nations have a presence on the continent?
Governed by Treaty
2 By the 1940s, seven countries had laid claim to territory in Antarctica. Some of
those territories overlapped, and some countries would not recognize the claims made
by other nations. There was no agreement about who held authority. By the mid-1950s,
however, scientists were eager to use Antarctica as a base for international research.
The research teams who participated in the massive 67-nation scientific project known
as the International Geophysical Year demonstrated how the icy continent could be
shared. Beginning in 1957, they worked together to establish coastal bases and inland
stations in Antarctica. From these bases, they made valuable discoveries about the
atmosphere, oceanography, and many other topics. Their success inspired 12 countries,
including Argentina, Chile, Great Britain, France, and the United States, to create the
Antarctic Treaty in 1959. This was the first document outlining how each nation would
use the continent. The treaty went into effect in 1961.
3 Even though the Antarctic Treaty was negotiated by a dozen countries with differing
interests, the resulting document was simple. It stated that the continent could not be
used for military purposes. The main purpose for being on Antarctica would be to
conduct scientific research. The treaty also stipulated that countries had to provide
advance notice of any Antarctic expeditions. In addition, the signers agreed to meet
periodically to discuss the goals of the treaty. At the time, no one could foresee some of
the changes that would occur over the next 60 years.
Addressing New Issues
4 Since 1959, more countries have joined the agreement, and its objectives have
been expanded. While the initial document focused on research and keeping the peace,
later documents covered the protection of marine life in and around Antarctica.
5 In 1991 another agreement reinforced the original intent of the treaty while adding
that activities such as mining, drilling, and exploration of minerals would be banned
indefinitely. Combined, these additional documents now make up the Antarctic Treaty,
and 54 nations have signed the agreement. But new concerns need to be addressed,
including the increased presence of humans in this once untouched wilderness.
6 In the years since the Antarctic Treaty was signed, activities on the continent have
changed. Science and exploration are still the main pursuits, but advances in
technology have made traveling to the southern continent easier than it once was.
Because of this, tourism in Antarctica has gained in popularity. In the 2018–2019
season, more than 56,000 tourists visited Antarctica.
At first, most tourism involved sailing along the coast or flying over the land. Cruise
ships sail to Antarctica frequently from November through March. However, tour
operators now offer outings on or near the land, including kayaking, mountain climbing,
and skiing. Some nations hope to profit from expanding such land-based tourism.
Scientists and regulators are evaluating the impact such permanent facilities as visitor
centers, museums, and hotels would have on the environment.
8 In 1991 tour operators formed the International Association of Antarctica Tour
Operators to support responsible travel, but according to Claire Christian of the
Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition, “There aren’t a lot of hard rules governing
tourism. It’s mostly voluntary.” The Antarctic Treaty System is now faced with many
questions about how best to regulate tourism.
The Future of Antarctica
9 Tourism is currently managed by the tour operators from various countries who
shepherd the tourists to and from the continent. However, the Antarctic Treaty system
will be monitoring the effects of tourism. Some areas of concern include the potential
introduction of invasive species and damage to the environment caused by ships
dumping waste in the ocean. Scientists also worry that visitors may disturb penguins,
elephant seals, and other native species. Lastly, tourists who become ill or injured have
little access to medical facilities on this remote continent. The parties to the Antarctic
Treaty have begun discussing how to manage tourism, but reaching an agreement will
take time.
10 Whatever Antarctica’s future holds, there will never be another place on Earth quite
like this continent. Nowhere else on the planet have nations agreed to work together to
maintain peace, support scientific research, and protect the environment. While the
presence of humans on the continent is cause for concern, the Antarctic Treaty affirms
that humans are also working together to protect the continent. That sense of purpose
and collaboration is something to celebrate.
Read the article "Antarctica: Governing the Icy Continent." Based on the information in the article, write a response to the following:
Explain what makes the situation in Antarctica unusual.
Write a well-organized informational composition that uses specific evidence from the article to support your answer.
1.Identify the prompt and the question it is asking2. Read and annotate the text3. Create a thesis statement (4 square)4. Find evidence to support your thesis and explain your evidence(4square)5. Construct your essay.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
## 1. Identify the Prompt and the Question it is Asking
The prompt asks to explain what makes the situation in Antarctica unusual. This requires analyzing the governance, the unique international collaborations, the environmental focus, and the challenges presented by increased human activity in this isolated region.
## 2. Read and Annotate the Text
As I read the article, I highlighted key points such as:
- The establishment of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959 to govern activities in Antarctica.
- The emphasis on scientific research over military use.
- The growth of tourism and the need for regulations to protect the environment.
- The collaborative nature of international agreements regarding the continent.
## 3. Create a Thesis Statement (4 Square)
**Thesis Statement:**
The situation in Antarctica is unusual because it represents a unique international collaboration where multiple countries have agreed to share ownership of the land for scientific research, established a legal framework to govern the continent, and are now facing challenges due to increased human activity and tourism.
### Square 1: Unique International Collaboration
- Evidence: “Scientists from all over the world make their home in the Antarctic.”
- Explanation: This illustrates how nations have set aside territorial disputes in favor of cooperative scientific exploration and research.
### Square 2: Legal Framework Governance
- Evidence: “The Antarctic Treaty... stated that the continent could not be used for military purposes.”
- Explanation: The creation of the Antarctic Treaty marked a significant commitment by nations to use the land purely for peaceful scientific endeavors instead of military agendas.
### Square 3: Environmental Focus
- Evidence: “Activities such as mining, drilling, and exploration of minerals would be banned indefinitely.”
- Explanation: This highlight reflects the prioritization of environmental conservation over economic exploitation, showing a collective responsibility towards preserving the unique ecosystem of Antarctica.
### Square 4: Challenges of Human Activity
- Evidence: “Tourism is currently managed by the tour operators from various countries who shepherd the tourists to and from the continent.”
- Explanation: Despite a collaborative governance framework, the rise of tourism brings challenges such as environmental damage and the introduction of invasive species, necessitating ongoing discussions about regulation.
## 5. Construct Your Essay
### The Unusual Situation in Antarctica
The situation in Antarctica is unusual owing to its distinct international collaboration, the establishment of a comprehensive legal framework for governance, a strong focus on environmental conservation, and the challenges posed by increased human activity, particularly tourism. Together, these factors create a unique scenario for this remote and icy continent.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Antarctica's governance is the cooperative relationship between countries. Scientists from all over the world have made Antarctica their base for research, demonstrating a rare instance where territorial disputes are set aside in favor of collective scientific exploration. As stated in the article, “Scientists from all over the world make their home in the Antarctic.” This collaboration contrasts sharply with many global regions where national interests often inhibit cooperation, making Antarctica a beacon of international unity.
The legal governance of Antarctica is another distinctive feature. The Antarctic Treaty, established in 1959, explicitly prohibits military activities on the continent, redirecting focus towards scientific research. As described in the article, “The Antarctic Treaty... stated that the continent could not be used for military purposes.” This commitment marks a watershed moment in international relations, prioritizing peaceful exploration and research over potential conflict. The treaty has made it possible for multiple nations to work harmoniously in a shared area, something rarely achieved elsewhere in the world.
Moreover, the focus on environmental protection in the governance of Antarctica adds to its unusual nature. The agreement has expanded over the years to emphasize the protection of marine life and to prohibit resource exploitation activities such as mining and drilling. The article states, “Activities such as mining, drilling, and exploration of minerals would be banned indefinitely.” This illustrates a collective commitment to safeguard Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem, a principle that is increasingly critical in today’s world of environmental challenges.
However, as human activity has increased, particularly through tourism, new challenges have emerged. The article notes that “Tourism is currently managed by the tour operators from various countries who shepherd the tourists to and from the continent.” This influx of visitors raises concerns about the potential for environmental harm, such as the introduction of invasive species and the disturbance of native wildlife. Consequently, while international cooperation and legal frameworks are in place, the rise in tourism presents significant hurdles that require ongoing dialogue and management.
In conclusion, the situation in Antarctica is exceptional because it embodies a collaborative international effort to peacefully share a continent for scientific progress, protected by legal frameworks with a strong emphasis on conservation. As humans engage more with this pristine environment, the necessity to address the ensuing challenges will shape the continent's future. Ultimately, Antarctica stands as a testament to what can be achieved when nations unite for a common cause, highlighting both the achievements and the responsibilities of mankind in preserving this unique wilderness.
The prompt asks to explain what makes the situation in Antarctica unusual. This requires analyzing the governance, the unique international collaborations, the environmental focus, and the challenges presented by increased human activity in this isolated region.
## 2. Read and Annotate the Text
As I read the article, I highlighted key points such as:
- The establishment of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959 to govern activities in Antarctica.
- The emphasis on scientific research over military use.
- The growth of tourism and the need for regulations to protect the environment.
- The collaborative nature of international agreements regarding the continent.
## 3. Create a Thesis Statement (4 Square)
**Thesis Statement:**
The situation in Antarctica is unusual because it represents a unique international collaboration where multiple countries have agreed to share ownership of the land for scientific research, established a legal framework to govern the continent, and are now facing challenges due to increased human activity and tourism.
### Square 1: Unique International Collaboration
- Evidence: “Scientists from all over the world make their home in the Antarctic.”
- Explanation: This illustrates how nations have set aside territorial disputes in favor of cooperative scientific exploration and research.
### Square 2: Legal Framework Governance
- Evidence: “The Antarctic Treaty... stated that the continent could not be used for military purposes.”
- Explanation: The creation of the Antarctic Treaty marked a significant commitment by nations to use the land purely for peaceful scientific endeavors instead of military agendas.
### Square 3: Environmental Focus
- Evidence: “Activities such as mining, drilling, and exploration of minerals would be banned indefinitely.”
- Explanation: This highlight reflects the prioritization of environmental conservation over economic exploitation, showing a collective responsibility towards preserving the unique ecosystem of Antarctica.
### Square 4: Challenges of Human Activity
- Evidence: “Tourism is currently managed by the tour operators from various countries who shepherd the tourists to and from the continent.”
- Explanation: Despite a collaborative governance framework, the rise of tourism brings challenges such as environmental damage and the introduction of invasive species, necessitating ongoing discussions about regulation.
## 5. Construct Your Essay
### The Unusual Situation in Antarctica
The situation in Antarctica is unusual owing to its distinct international collaboration, the establishment of a comprehensive legal framework for governance, a strong focus on environmental conservation, and the challenges posed by increased human activity, particularly tourism. Together, these factors create a unique scenario for this remote and icy continent.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Antarctica's governance is the cooperative relationship between countries. Scientists from all over the world have made Antarctica their base for research, demonstrating a rare instance where territorial disputes are set aside in favor of collective scientific exploration. As stated in the article, “Scientists from all over the world make their home in the Antarctic.” This collaboration contrasts sharply with many global regions where national interests often inhibit cooperation, making Antarctica a beacon of international unity.
The legal governance of Antarctica is another distinctive feature. The Antarctic Treaty, established in 1959, explicitly prohibits military activities on the continent, redirecting focus towards scientific research. As described in the article, “The Antarctic Treaty... stated that the continent could not be used for military purposes.” This commitment marks a watershed moment in international relations, prioritizing peaceful exploration and research over potential conflict. The treaty has made it possible for multiple nations to work harmoniously in a shared area, something rarely achieved elsewhere in the world.
Moreover, the focus on environmental protection in the governance of Antarctica adds to its unusual nature. The agreement has expanded over the years to emphasize the protection of marine life and to prohibit resource exploitation activities such as mining and drilling. The article states, “Activities such as mining, drilling, and exploration of minerals would be banned indefinitely.” This illustrates a collective commitment to safeguard Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem, a principle that is increasingly critical in today’s world of environmental challenges.
However, as human activity has increased, particularly through tourism, new challenges have emerged. The article notes that “Tourism is currently managed by the tour operators from various countries who shepherd the tourists to and from the continent.” This influx of visitors raises concerns about the potential for environmental harm, such as the introduction of invasive species and the disturbance of native wildlife. Consequently, while international cooperation and legal frameworks are in place, the rise in tourism presents significant hurdles that require ongoing dialogue and management.
In conclusion, the situation in Antarctica is exceptional because it embodies a collaborative international effort to peacefully share a continent for scientific progress, protected by legal frameworks with a strong emphasis on conservation. As humans engage more with this pristine environment, the necessity to address the ensuing challenges will shape the continent's future. Ultimately, Antarctica stands as a testament to what can be achieved when nations unite for a common cause, highlighting both the achievements and the responsibilities of mankind in preserving this unique wilderness.