Latest news with #AntarcticTreaty
ABC News
2 days ago
- Politics
- ABC News
Russian and Chinese plans for Antarctic expansion spark alarm
Experts warn Russia and China's plans to expand their presence in Antarctica may be linked to mining or military ambitions that are at odds with the nature reserve's peaceful governing principles. Australia was among 58 signatories to the Antarctic Treaty, which covers activity in the region, which met behind closed doors in Milan in June and July. Earlier this year, China announced plans to build a sixth permanent research station in Antarctica, while Russia is reopening and upgrading stations, as well as building a new runway for long-haul aircraft. The two countries have also been accused of undermining conservation efforts by blocking new protections for marine areas. Some experts have raised concerns the infrastructure and logistical expansions could be underpinned by non-scientific motivations. Bill Muntean represented the United States at the 2023 meeting and is now a non-resident senior associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a policy research not-for-profit organisation based in Washington DC. "There are significant questions and concerns over activities in the oceans off Antarctica," he said. "What are Russia and China doing with their scientific explorations?" The Antarctic Treaty, which came into effect in 1961, prohibits military activity on the continent, and promotes scientific research. China and Russia are both signatories. Compounding the two nuclear-armed superpowers' expansion blueprint is the fact the White House has announced deep cuts to its Antarctic funding, totalling about $US60 million ($91.9 million). Jeffrey McGee, an expert in the treaty from the University of Tasmania, said Russia, China and the US were "big players" in Antarctica. "This pullback of funding from the United States means Australia has to be ready to step up, in terms of maintaining and increasing our scientific and logistics presence," Professor McGee said. "We need to make sure that we maintain and grow our influence in the region to protect that national interest." Professor McGee said some scientific equipment that had been installed on Antarctica could have dual uses. "What we are talking about here are infrared telescopes, GPS and ground-station receivers that can communicate with satellites," he said. "More and more of that equipment has been put into Antarctic research stations. "That gives rise to the possibility of that equipment having a dual purpose, in the sense that it can be used for scientific uses, but it can also interface with military and surveillance satellites, upload and download information or be involved in military command control communication systems." Increasing a strategic footprint in Antarctica could allow nations to secure future access to natural resources, strengthen geopolitical influence, and have a greater say in shaping the continent's future rules. Antarctica offers untapped potential and global leverage when it comes to science and security, as data from research stations that collect scientific data can also be used for military or intelligence purposes. Building outposts also gives countries a physical and technological presence that could be repurposed in the future. A report by the UK parliament's Environmental Audit Committee released last month highlighted how Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine deepened the geopolitical rift among signatories to the Antarctic Treaty. It questioned the purpose of Russia's seismic surveys in Antarctica, suggesting they could be about identifying natural resources. "Geopolitical tension and the prospect of potential mineral reserves are straining peace and environmental protection in Antarctica," the report found. "Antarctica's potential reserves of oil, coal and iron ore present a risk of future conflicts." The committee's chair, Tobi Perkins, told the ABC that Russia and China's expansion in Antarctica needed to be watched closely. "At this stage we don't know exactly what we should be worried about, but in the absence of dialogue and clarity and transparency, the Antarctic Treaty partners must maintain robust oversight," the MP said. While Russia and China's expansion plans are within the rights of the Antarctic Treaty, Mr Muntean says he wants the number of inspections of bases on the continent to increase. Under the treaty, countries are encouraged to hold each other to account over compliance issues. For example, Australia has conducted inspections in Antarctica for more than 60 years, including at bases operated by China, Russia and Moscow's puppet state, Belarus. "One can speculate on any number of things that can be happening in Antarctica," Mr Muntean said. "There hasn't been evidence of commercial mining that I've seen, just a lot of concern that the scientific activity could eventually lead to commercial mining. "But if there are any questions about what is down there for military equipment, personnel or reconnaissance, we need to check it out. "Shine the flashlight underneath the bed — is that a teddy bear or is it some scary monster? We've got the flashlight. Use it."
NZ Herald
7 days ago
- Science
- NZ Herald
On thin ice: The Antarctic Treaty is in danger of collapsing
The 1959 Antarctic Treaty is recognised as one of the world's most successful and lasting international agreements, setting aside an entire continent for peaceful and scientific collaboration. This is obvious on the ground. I've spent weeks with teams of researchers from various countries at geopolitical loggerheads working together in isolated
India.com
19-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
Russia hits JACKPOT, set to become super rich due to..., bad news for many countries because...
Russia hits JACKPOT, set to become super rich due to..., bad news for many countries because... Largest Crude Oil Reserve: In a major discovery, Russia has discovered a massive oil reserve, which is expected to be the largest crude oil reserve in the history of the world. The country has found a black gold reserve under the British Antarctic region, which has long been protected under an international treaty. As per media reports, Moscow has discovered about 511 billion barrels of crude oil during its search and expedition. As Russia has discovered a huge oil reserve under the frozen continent, global powers may try to exploit the reserve which is hidden under the ice. How Did Russia Discover The Largest Crude Oil Reserve? The reports state that Russia's government geological company named – Rosgeo – carried out the search during which it found the oil reserve. During the search, the company surveyed the Weddell Sea region which tells that there is a possibility of 511 billion barrels of crude oil hidden under the ice. Notably, the reserve is more than the amount of oil that has been extracted from the earth so far. Did The Discovery Break Any Treaty? Under the Antarctic Treaty (1959), no military or commercial activity, especially exploitation of natural resources, can take place in the region. However, Russia counter it, saying the survey has been done only for scientific purposes. On the other hand, experts believe that the research and survey hint preparation for oil mining in the coming years. This could also lead to a major conflict between superpowers. A New Path Of Future Conflict Has Opened? It is worth mentioning that Chile and Argentina also have claims on the British Antarctic region. Following the recent discovery, these countries will also start showing interest. Geo-political experts say that in the coming years, when natural resources start depleting, a new conflict may start between global powers over this oil reserve. What Is An Antarctic Treaty? The treaty was first signed by 12 countries during the Cold War to stop resource exploitation in the region. Today, around 56 countries have agreed to it. Russia, which is not a part of the treaty, said it plans to break its ban on extracting resources. Moscow still says it will follow the treaty.
Emirates 24/7
18-07-2025
- Science
- Emirates 24/7
UAE attends 47th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in Milan after acceding to Antarctic Treaty in December 2024
The United Arab Emirates participated for the first time in the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM), attending the 47th session held in Milan, Italy, following its accession to the Antarctic Treaty in December 2024. The UAE delegation was led by Abdulla Balalaa, Deputy Chair of the Emirates Polar Programme (EPP) Steering Committee and Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, and attended by representatives from the EPP. The ATCM serves as the principal forum for international collaboration on Antarctica-related issues. Convened annually, the meeting brings together consultative and non-consultative parties to exchange information, explore areas of common interest, and recommend measures to advance the Treaty's objectives. This year's session saw the participation of over 400 delegations, representing 29 consultative parties, 28 non-consultative parties, as well as observers and experts. Marking the UAE's inaugural participation, Balalaa highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating, 'We are delighted to join the 47th ATCM as a new non-consultative party. This milestone reflects our nation's unwavering commitment to global cooperation and environmental stewardship. The UAE is dedicated to being proactive in preserving the cryosphere through science, innovation, and collaboration.' Underpinned by national initiatives such as the Emirates Polar Programme, the UAE continues to champion scientific advancement and multilateral collaboration, reinforcing its role as a constructive and responsible actor in addressing global environmental challenges. During the meeting, the UAE actively engaged in bilateral discussions with other countries and stakeholders, exploring opportunities for cooperation in polar research. Informal dialogues were also held to discuss collaborative approaches to advancing scientific knowledge and protecting the environment in the region. As the principal forum for Antarctic governance, the ATCM enables parties to coordinate efforts, strengthen environmental protection, and support peaceful scientific cooperation. This year's discussions addressed key themes including environmental preservation, science collaboration, operational safety, and responsible tourism in the region. The UAE's participation reflects its growing role in global environmental diplomacy and its commitment to multilateral processes that safeguard fragile ecosystems. Looking ahead, the UAE will continue its engagement in the Antarctic Treaty System, with the signing of the Environmental Protocol – a key instrument to protect Antarctica's ecosystems and promote responsible use – representing the next milestone in its contribution to preserving the continent for future generations.
India.com
16-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
Russia Strikes Oil Jackpot Beneath Antarctica – Is This End Of Saudi Arabia's Throne? A Global Energy War Now Looms
Moscow/New Delhi: A startling discovery beneath the frozen edges of the planet has set off waves of concern, awe and speculation. Russian scientists claim to have found one of the world's largest reserves of crude oil (an estimated 511 billion barrels) buried deep under Antarctica's icy crust. This massive figure not only dwarfs known reserves but also raises pressing questions about future global power struggles, environmental risks and the fate of long-standing international agreements. Conducted in the Weddell Sea region by Russia's state-backed geological agency Rosgeo, the survey revealed oil reserves that exceed the total volume of crude ever extracted by humans. This discovery, experts warn, could shift the world's energy balance and turn Antarctica from a scientific sanctuary into the next geopolitical battlefield. Although Russia insists the mission was purely scientific, the timing and scale of the discovery are prompting alarm. Under the 1959 Antarctic Treaty, all military or commercial exploitation of natural resources on the continent remains strictly prohibited. Several observers suspect that Moscow's intentions extend beyond peaceful research. A Brewing Global Flashpoint? The area where this oil lies is part of the British Antarctic Territory, a region that also sees claims from Chile and Argentina. These overlapping claims now carry added weight as interest grows among nations sensing a resource opportunity buried under ice. What was once a cold and silent expanse of cooperation might soon witness contesting flags and strategic maneuvers. During the Cold War, 12 countries signed the Antarctic Treaty to keep the continent shielded from military and commercial rivalry. Today, over 50 countries are part of that pact. None have so far challenged the treaty's core rule of non-extraction until now. Experts such as Professor Klaus Dodds from Royal Holloway University argue that Russia's survey is a smokescreen for deeper ambitions. He called the oil mission a 'thinly veiled attempt' to open the door to future drilling – warning that tapping into a 500-billion-barrel reserve could tilt the global energy market on its head. Melting Ice, Uncovering Riches As Antarctica's glaciers slowly retreat due to rising global temperatures, the continent's hidden layers are coming into view. With over 70% of the world's freshwater frozen beneath its surface, Antarctica's thaw poses both a climate risk and a resource temptation. Environmentalists fear that exploiting such massive fossil fuel reserves could have devastating consequences. Extracting oil on this scale would not only breach the treaty but could also accelerate climate change beyond control. Some scientists have already begun calling the discovery a potential 'death sentence for the planet' if countries attempt to access and burn that much carbon fuel. Despite this, voices within the geopolitical arena suggest that a scramble could be imminent. Global powers, hungry for new energy sources and strategic leverage, may begin circling the icy continent with more than just research in mind. A New Era for Antarctica? As nations weigh the discovery's implications, the future of Antarctica hangs in a fragile balance. What was once a land of scientific cooperation now faces the looming shadow of resource-driven conflict. The Russian oil discovery may have just opened a new and colder front in the global race for energy and the world is watching.
