The Antarctic Treaty was signed nearly 55 years ago on December 1, 1959. A milestone in world history, it remains a shining example of international cooperation. When it was signed, the United States and the Soviet Union were engaged in the Cold War, and both countries were looking for new places to test nuclear weapons. Saving the continent from become a nuclear wasteland, the treaty ensures that all endeavors on this continent are for peaceful purposes only.
Deck of a National Science Foundation Chalet. Photo by Mike LeBaron (PolarTREC 2012).
Additionally, the Treaty designates Antarctica as a place for international cooperation for scientific research too. There are many clauses to the Treaty that govern how research is to be conducted so as to protect the environment, like the Leave No Trace ethics that I wrote to you about in a previous journal (“Don’t Drop Stuff In the Lake”).
Our science team is a good example of the outcomes of this Treaty. The seven of us on our research team represent 3 different nationalities, working together to learn more about our world.
Watch and Learn:
What Can You Do?
The Antarctic Treaty stands as an example of people coming together, so…
1. What can you do within your classroom or community to reach out to people or bring people together?
2. And, what can you do to celebrate Antarctica Day? It’s coming up fast! You may have your own ideas or you can find ideas on the web.
Please share your ideas in the “Comments” section- I’d love to hear them!
Celebrate Antarctica Day! Webinar
http://www.polartrec.com/polar-connect/register
Participate in a PolarConnect webinar from Antarctica! It's free and easy to participate!
Date: Tuesday, 2 December 2014
Time: 10:00am Alaska Standard Time
[11:00am PST, 12:00pm MST, 1:00pm CST, 2:00pm EST]
Alex Eilers is at McMurdo with her team studying Weddell Seals. Join us for a PolarConnect Event celebrating Antarctica Day and learning more about the team's research! It is free and easy to participate. Register Here: http://www.polartrec.com/polar-connect/register
Follow Alex’s expedition: http://www.polartrec.com/expeditions/weddell-seals-in-the-ross-sea-2014
What is Antarctica Day?
After almost fifty-five years, the Antarctic Treaty continues to shine as a rare beacon of international cooperation. To celebrate this milestone of peace in our civilization with hope and inspiration for future generations – ANTARCTICA DAY is recognized to be December 1st -the day when the Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1959. As an annual event, Antarctica Day encourages participation from around the world. The aim is to continue expanding Antarctica Day on December 1st as a globally-accessible platform to share, interpret and cherish the values associated with Antarctica for the benefit of present and future generations. This is being accomplished in many ways - Know more about this initiative by clicking the subjects or images below.
Learn more about other Antarctica Day Activities: http://www.ourspaces.org.uk/antarctica-day.html
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