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Asia Times
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Asia Times
Trump defunding US out of Antarctica's great game
President Donald Trump has begun eroding the United States' presence in Antarctica by announcing deep funding cuts to his nation's science and logistics on the icy continent. The Trump administration has significantly reduced funding for both Antarctica's largest research and logistics station, McMurdo, and the National Science Foundation, which funds US research in Antarctica. More cuts are foreshadowed. If carried through, US science and overall presence in Antarctica will be seriously diminished, at a time when China is significantly expanding its presence there. Since 1958, the US has been a leader in both Antarctic diplomacy and science. Shrinking its Antarctic presence will diminish US capacity to influence the region's future. The US has historically focused its Antarctic influence in three key areas: 1. Keeping Antarctica free from military conflict The US has built considerable Antarctic geopolitical influence since the late 1950s. Under President Dwight D Eisenhower, it initiated (and later hosted) negotiations that led to the development of the 1959 Antarctic Treaty. It was also key to establishing the fundamental principles of the treaty, such as using the Antarctic region only for peaceful purposes, and prohibiting military activities and nuclear weapons testing. 2. Governing Antarctica together The US was influential in developing the international legal system that governs human activities in the Antarctic region. In the 1970s, expanding unregulated fishing in the Southern Ocean led to serious concerns about the effects on krill-eating species – especially the recovery of severely depleted whale populations. The US joined other Antarctic Treaty nations to champion the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CAMLR), signed in 1980. It prioritises conservation of Southern Ocean ecosystems and all species, over maximum fish harvesting. The US also contributed to the 1991 Protocol on Environmental Protection. Among other measures it prohibits mining and designates Antarctica as 'a natural reserve, devoted to peace and science.' The US has been vital to Antarctic governance. Pictured: US Secretary of State John Kerry, right, at Scott Base in Antarctica in 2016. Photo: Mark Ralston / AP 3. Scientific research and collaboration The US operates three year‑round Antarctic research stations: Palmer, Amundsen-Scott and McMurdo. McMurdo is Antarctica's largest research station. Amundsen-Scott is located at the South Pole, the geographic centre of Antarctica, and the point at which all Antarctic territorial claims meet. The South Pole station is thus important symbolically and strategically, as well as for science. The US has the largest number of Antarctic scientists of any nation on the continent. US scientific work has been at the forefront of understanding Antarctica's role in the global climate system and how climate change will shape the future of the planet. It has also played a major role in Southern Ocean ecosystem and fisheries research. This research has underpinned important policies. For example, US input into models to predict and manage sustainable krill yields has been pivotal in regulating the krill fishery, and ensuring it doesn't harm penguin, seal and whale populations. The US has also been a staunch supporter of a comprehensive network of marine protected areas in the Southern Ocean. The Ross Sea Region Marine Protected Area, proposed by the US and New Zealand, is the largest in the world. The US influence in Antarctica extends beyond the list above. For example, the US has a significant Antarctic-based space program. And US citizens make up most Antarctic tourists, and the US plays a significant role in regulating tourism there. The full extent of the Trump administration's cuts is yet to play out. But clearly, if they proceed as signalled, the cuts will be a major blow not just to US interests in Antarctica, but those of many other countries. The US has the best-resourced logistics network in Antarctica. Its air transport, shipping and scientific field support has traditionally been shared by other countries. New Zealand, for instance, is closely tied with the US in resupply of food and fuel, and uses US air and sea logistics for many operations to the Ross Sea region. And joint research programs with the US will be affected by reduced funding in Antarctica directly, and elsewhere. For example, reported cuts to the climate programs of NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) may hamper satellite coverage of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean. This would affect Australian scientists collecting data on ocean temperature, sea-ice state and other metrics used in climate research and weather forecasting. China has signalled its intention to be a key geopolitical player in Antarctica and has greatly expanded its Antarctic presence in recent years. China has five Antarctic research stations. Its sixth summer station is due for completion in 2027. China also operates two icebreaker ships, helicopters and a fixed-wing aircraft in Antarctica and is building new, large krill trawlers. Both China and Russia are increasingly active in their opposition to environmental initiatives such as marine protected areas. A smaller US presence creates greater opportunities for others to shape Antarctica's geopolitics. This includes pressure to erode decades-long protection of the Antarctic environment, a push for more intensive fish and krill harvesting, and potentially reopening debate on mining in the region. Lynda Goldsworthy and Tony Press co-authored the chapter Power at the Bottom of the World in the new book Antarctica and the Earth System. Lynda Goldsworthy is research associate, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania and Tony Press is adjunct professor, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Scottish Sun
03-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Transform any van into tiny home on wheels with BARGAIN conversion kit that includes kitchen, double bed & work desk
"Perfect for an overnight stay or weekend away" ADVENTURE TIME Transform any van into tiny home on wheels with BARGAIN conversion kit that includes kitchen, double bed & work desk VAN owners can transform their vehicles into snug campers with a budget-friendly conversion kit that features a bed, kitchen, and work desk. Outlandish Campers, a company specialising in compact living solutions, provides everything required to turn your ride into a miniature home with a sleek modular system that fits neatly into the rear of almost any van. Advertisement 6 An ingenious vanb conversion company is perhaps the cheapest entry into campervan ownership Credit: Outlandish Campers 6 Van owners can transform their vehicles into snug campers that features a bed, kitchen, and work desk. Credit: Outlandish Campers 6 There are two options for drivers - including the top-of-the-range Expedition set-up that costs just under £5,000 Credit: Outlandish Campers 6 There's also a cheaper option that's great for micro campers such as the Citroen Berlingo Credit: Outlandish Campers 6 Campers can be decked out with all the home comforts - including mini kitchens Credit: Outlandish Campers 6 The company's mission is to help cheap van owners enjoy camping trips for next-to-nothing with a completely overhauled interior Credit: Outlandish Campers Based in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, Outlandish is capable of overhauling a van in around two hours with a unit that can be slid in and out in just minutes. Speaking to Top Gear, Outlandish boss Max McMurdo said: 'I only realised how small the Volkswagen is when I took delivery of mine. 'So I designed a series of interchangeable units which can be easily installed and removed.' These units, made from a lightweight mix of aluminium, birch and carbon, include a fridge, tap, sink, full-sized double bed and a work bench. Advertisement Best of all, the top-of-the-range Expedition set-up costs just under £5,000 - much cheaper than most room decorations in your home. McMurdo added: 'New motorhomes and campers can get expensive. 'The point of our company is for people to rock up with cheap vans that they'd bought for next-to-nothing, and then leave with a completely overhauled interior for a reasonable price.' According to their website, Outlandish's mission is to make camper conversions accessible and affordable for all with a safe and secure fixing for camper pods, bike racks, tool boxes and surf boards. Advertisement A cheaper Adventurer option is also available that advertises itself as suitable for micro campers measuring over 1600mm in length - including the Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Partner, VW caddy SWB and Ford Transit Connect SWB. Described as 'perfect for an overnight stay or weekend away in a micro, small or medium-sized van', the kit includes a raised kitchen area that slides out to create a table for dining, working or food prep. Luxury £1m motorhome with huge living space, heated floors & spa bathroom There's also a desk that fits on top of the low sofa to create a level platform, while two long tables simply slide between the units to make the short double bed. This comes as a savvy pensioner recently revealed how she's sidestepped the housing crisis by converting her Smart car into a unique home on wheels. Advertisement She explained her reasoning for stuffing her belongings into the cramped motor and living life in the driver's seat. "I wanted to retire at 65 and I couldn't afford it," she revealed to CheapRVLiving. "I need to wait until I'm 70 to have social security. "I discovered that I actually could lie flat in here and took everything that I needed. Advertisement "I already had the car and she gets 55 miles a gallon." Kai gets her 40 winks by reclining the passenger seat with her head almost against the windshield. She packed in two small air mattresses while assuring sceptics that the unorthodox approach is comfortable.
The Sun
03-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Transform any van into tiny home on wheels with BARGAIN conversion kit that includes kitchen, double bed & work desk
VAN owners can transform their vehicles into snug campers with a budget-friendly conversion kit that features a bed, kitchen, and work desk. Outlandish Campers, a company specialising in compact living solutions, provides everything required to turn your ride into a miniature home with a sleek modular system that fits neatly into the rear of almost any van. 6 6 6 6 6 6 Based in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, Outlandish is capable of overhauling a van in around two hours with a unit that can be slid in and out in just minutes. Speaking to Top Gear, Outlandish boss Max McMurdo said: 'I only realised how small the Volkswagen is when I took delivery of mine. 'So I designed a series of interchangeable units which can be easily installed and removed.' These units, made from a lightweight mix of aluminium, birch and carbon, include a fridge, tap, sink, full-sized double bed and a work bench. Best of all, the top-of-the-range Expedition set-up costs just under £5,000 - much cheaper than most room decorations in your home. McMurdo added: 'New motorhomes and campers can get expensive. 'The point of our company is for people to rock up with cheap vans that they'd bought for next-to-nothing, and then leave with a completely overhauled interior for a reasonable price.' According to their website, Outlandish's mission is to make camper conversions accessible and affordable for all with a safe and secure fixing for camper pods, bike racks, tool boxes and surf boards. A cheaper Adventurer option is also available that advertises itself as suitable for micro campers measuring over 1600mm in length - including the Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Partner, VW caddy SWB and Ford Transit Connect SWB. Described as 'perfect for an overnight stay or weekend away in a micro, small or medium-sized van', the kit includes a raised kitchen area that slides out to create a table for dining, working or food prep. Luxury £1m motorhome with huge living space, heated floors & spa bathroom There's also a desk that fits on top of the low sofa to create a level platform, while two long tables simply slide between the units to make the short double bed. This comes as a savvy pensioner recently revealed how she's sidestepped the housing crisis by converting her Smart car into a unique home on wheels. She explained her reasoning for stuffing her belongings into the cramped motor and living life in the driver's seat. "I wanted to retire at 65 and I couldn't afford it," she revealed to CheapRVLiving. "I need to wait until I'm 70 to have social security. "I discovered that I actually could lie flat in here and took everything that I needed. "I already had the car and she gets 55 miles a gallon." Kai gets her 40 winks by reclining the passenger seat with her head almost against the windshield. She packed in two small air mattresses while assuring sceptics that the unorthodox approach is comfortable.
The Irish Sun
03-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Transform any van into tiny home on wheels with BARGAIN conversion kit that includes kitchen, double bed & work desk
VAN owners can transform their vehicles into snug campers with a budget-friendly conversion kit that features a bed, kitchen, and work desk. 6 An ingenious vanb conversion company is perhaps the cheapest entry into campervan ownership Credit: Outlandish Campers 6 Van owners can transform their vehicles into snug campers that features a bed, kitchen, and work desk. Credit: Outlandish Campers 6 There are two options for drivers - including the top-of-the-range Expedition set-up that costs just under £5,000 Credit: Outlandish Campers 6 There's also a cheaper option that's great for micro campers such as the Citroen Berlingo Credit: Outlandish Campers 6 Campers can be decked out with all the home comforts - including mini kitchens Credit: Outlandish Campers 6 The company's mission is to help cheap van owners enjoy camping trips for next-to-nothing with a completely overhauled interior Credit: Outlandish Campers Based in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, Outlandish is capable of overhauling a van in around two hours with a unit that can be slid in and out in just minutes. Speaking to 'So I designed a series of interchangeable units which can be easily installed and removed.' These units, made from a lightweight mix of aluminium, birch and carbon, include a fridge, tap, sink, full-sized double bed and a work bench. Read more Motors News Best of all, the top-of-the-range Expedition set-up costs just under £5,000 - much cheaper than most room decorations in your home. McMurdo added: 'New motorhomes and campers can get expensive. 'The point of our company is for people to rock up with cheap vans that they'd bought for next-to-nothing, and then leave with a completely overhauled interior for a reasonable price.' According to their website, Outlandish's mission is to make camper conversions accessible and affordable for all with a safe and secure fixing for camper pods, bike racks, tool boxes and surf boards. Most read in Motors A cheaper Adventurer option is also available that advertises itself as suitable for micro campers measuring over 1600mm in length - including the Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Partner, VW caddy SWB and Ford Transit Connect SWB. Described as 'perfect for an overnight stay or weekend away in a micro, small or medium-sized van', the kit includes a raised kitchen area that slides out to create a table for dining, working or food prep. Luxury £1m motorhome with huge living space, heated floors & spa bathroom There's also a desk that fits on top of the low sofa to create a level platform, while two long tables simply slide between the units to make the short double bed. This comes as She explained her reasoning for stuffing her belongings into the cramped motor and living life in the driver's seat. "I wanted to retire at 65 and I couldn't afford it," she revealed to CheapRVLiving. "I need to wait until I'm 70 to have social security. "I discovered that I actually could lie flat in here and took everything that I needed. "I already had the car and she gets 55 miles a gallon." Kai gets her 40 winks by reclining the passenger seat with her head almost against the windshield. She packed in two small air mattresses while assuring sceptics that the unorthodox approach is comfortable.
