Antarctic: Threats & Impacts
Geography: Cambridge International GCSE (2027 Exams), topic 3.2.1
Threats to the Antarctic Ecosystem and Their Management
Antarctic ecosystems face threats from resource exploitation, climate change, fishing, and tourism, which impact biodiversity and require effective management strategies.
Resource exploitation in Antarctica
- The Antarctic ecosystem is threatened by mining and drilling for minerals and fossil fuels.
- Resource exploitation damages habitats and pollutes fragile environments.
- The Antarctic Treaty limits exploitation to protect the Antarctic ecosystem.
Climate change effects
- Climate change warms Antarctica, causing ice melt and habitat loss.
- The Antarctic ecosystem experiences changes in species distribution and food chains.
- Melting ice reduces breeding grounds for seals and penguins in the Antarctic ecosystem.
Fishing pressures
- Overfishing disrupts Antarctic food webs, affecting fish, seals, and seabirds.
- Overfishing affects food webs: predators lose food, and prey species can increase too much
- Illegal, unregulated fishing harms the Antarctic ecosystem's biodiversity.
- Fishing regulations aim to manage stocks sustainably and protect the Antarctic ecosystem.
Tourism impact
- Tourism increases human presence, risking pollution and wildlife disturbance
- The Antarctic ecosystem faces habitat damage from trampling and waste.
- Management includes visitor limits and strict guidelines to protect the Antarctic ecosystem.
Pollution
- Ecosystem damage results from pollution, such as oil spills and plastic waste.
- Pollution from ships and research stations contaminates land and sea.
Test yourself on Antarctic: Threats & Impacts
What happens to breeding grounds due to melting ice?
What are the common sources of pollution in Antarctica?