MAKE IT VERY HUMAN

Question

ESSAY: Write your essay in the empty box below.
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

Antarctica: A Unique Cooperative Endeavor

Antarctica stands apart from all other regions on Earth due to its unusual governance structure and the unique circumstances surrounding human presence on the icy continent. Unlike any other place in the world, Antarctica is not owned by any single nation, but is instead governed by an international agreement known as the Antarctic Treaty. This treaty reflects a remarkable commitment among nations to prioritize scientific research and environmental protection, making Antarctica a compelling example of global cooperation in the face of shared challenges.

One of the defining features of the situation in Antarctica is that it is managed collectively by multiple countries. In the 1940s, claims to its territory by seven nations created a confusing landscape of overlapping interests. However, the urgency for international scientific collaboration prompted the creation of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959, which came into effect in 1961. As stated in the article, “The treaty went into effect in 1961” after twelve nations, inspired by their cooperative efforts during the International Geophysical Year, came together to agree upon the governance of Antarctica. This unprecedented level of agreement required all parties involved to set aside their territorial claims and focus on a shared mission: to conduct scientific research without military interference. The simplicity of the treaty underscores its novelty; it primarily emphasizes research and peace, ensuring that Antarctica remains a zone free from military activities.

The evolving nature of human activity in Antarctica makes the governance of the continent all the more vital. While the primary focus has historically been on scientific exploration, the rise of tourism presents new challenges. As the article highlights, “In the 2018-2019 season, more than 56,000 tourists visited Antarctica,” marking a significant increase from previous years. This increase in tourism raises pressing questions about the environmental impact and sustainability of these activities. The treaty's adaptability is evident as it has expanded over time to include significant protections for marine life and to ban exploitative practices such as mining and drilling. Despite the establishment of bodies like the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators to promote responsible tourism, the article notes that “there aren’t a lot of hard rules governing tourism,” emphasizing the need for comprehensive regulations as human activities evolve.

Looking forward, the future of Antarctica hinges on finding the right balance between human interests and environmental conservation. It remains essential that the Antarctic Treaty System addresses new challenges posed by tourism, including potential harm to native species and the introduction of invasive species. The found note that “the parties to the Antarctic Treaty have begun discussing how to manage tourism” indicates that ongoing dialogue and cooperation are necessary to ensure that the continent's delicate ecosystems are not jeopardized.

In summary, Antarctica’s governance is unusual because it exemplifies how countries can collaboratively manage a shared resource through the Antarctic Treaty. This global commitment prioritizes scientific research while safeguarding the continent's unique environment. As human presence increases through tourism and scientific exploration, the importance of this collaboration will only grow. Antarctica stands out as a beacon of what unified global effort can achieve—a place where science prevails over nationalism and where the future of our planet is a common concern. The continent’s future, shaped by collective responsibility, deserves our attention and respect, as it symbolizes the very best of international cooperation.