ESSAY: Write your essay in the empty box below.

Question

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.

Remember to -

. clearly state your thesis

· organize your writing

. develop your ideas in detail

. use evidence from the selection in your response

. use correct spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar

Each year, people from many different countries go to Antarctica. For decades scientists have conducted research on this icy continent related to
oceanography, the atmosphere, and other topics. Recently, tourism to Antarctica has also increased. Even though many people live and work in Antarctica,
it does not belong to any one country. So who governs, or is in charge of, Antarctica? Who regulates, or controls, what facilities people build there and what
activities happen there, now and in the future? The Antarctic Treaty is a formal agreement between countries that explains how the continent should be
governed.

Read the article to learn more about the Antarctic Treaty and why scientists and tourists are so interested in Antarctica.

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Antarctica: Governing the Icy Continent

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Tourism is currently
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.
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.

Answer 1

The Unusual Situation in Antarctica: A Collective International Responsibility

Antarctica represents a unique case in global governance, distinguished by its lack of national ownership and a collaborative framework established through the Antarctic Treaty. Unlike any other continent, Antarctica operates under the guiding principle of international cooperation, ensuring that its lands are utilized exclusively for peaceful scientific endeavors and environmental protection. This unusual situation is primarily defined by the treaty’s origin, scope, and the contemporary challenges it faces, which together create a governance model unmatched anywhere else on the planet.

Historically, the situation in Antarctica emerged from competing territorial claims by various nations in the mid-20th century. By the 1940s, seven countries had laid claim to portions of the continent, leading to conflicts and a lack of mutual recognition among these claims. However, scientists recognized the potential for collaborative research efforts, culminating in the International Geophysical Year of 1957. This cooperative spirit laid the groundwork for the Antarctic Treaty of 1959, which established Antarctica as a shared space for scientific research, prohibiting military activity and asserting that all members should provide advance notice of expeditions. As noted in the article, “The main purpose for being on Antarctica would be to conduct scientific research,” which reflects the commitment to establish the continent as a zone of peace and collaboration.

The evolution of the Antarctic Treaty system has been instrumental in addressing new issues arising from increased interest in the continent, particularly in terms of tourism and environmental protection. Over the years, the original treaty has been expanded to include provisions that ban activities such as mining and drilling, thereby prioritizing the conservation of marine life and ecosystems. The article highlights that “while the initial document focused on research and keeping the peace, later documents covered the protection of marine life in and around Antarctica.” This adaptability illustrates how the governance framework prioritizes environmental integrity while responding to emerging challenges.

Tourism has transformed the operational landscape of Antarctica, leading to both opportunities and concerns. As travel to the continent becomes more accessible, the number of tourists has surged dramatically, reaching over 56,000 in the 2018-2019 season. With this growth comes a need for regulation to ensure responsible travel and minimize environmental impact. Recognizing this challenge, the article notes that, “The Antarctic Treaty System is now faced with many questions about how best to regulate tourism.” The lack of stringent regulations highlights the complexities of managing human activity in such a pristine yet fragile environment.

Moreover, the health and safety of tourists presents a significant concern. The article mentions the limited access to medical facilities for visitors who may become ill or injured. This emphasizes the need for comprehensive safety protocols in the context of expanding tourism, an aspect that the Antarctic Treaty discussions must increasingly address.

In conclusion, the unusual situation in Antarctica is characterized by its status as a continent that belongs to no single nation but instead is governed through a collaborative international treaty focused on scientific research and environmental protection. The Antarctic Treaty stands as a testament to what can be achieved through global cooperation, uniquely positioning Antarctica as a shared resource for humanity. As countries navigate the intricate challenges brought about by tourism and environmental stewardship, the ongoing commitment to safeguarding Antarctica’s unique ecosystems while facilitating scientific inquiry will remain a pivotal aspect of this extraordinary governance model. The juxtaposition of human activity and environmental preservation in Antarctica exemplifies the importance of collective responsibility in confronting global challenges.