<
https://theconversation.com/antarctic-research-is-in-decline-and-the-timing-couldnt-be-worse-260197>
"Ice loss in Antarctica and its impact on the planet – sea level rise, changes
to ocean currents and disturbance of wildlife and food webs – has been in the
news a lot lately. All of these threats were likely on the minds of the
delegates to the annual Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting, which finishes
up today in Milan, Italy.
This meeting is where decisions are made about the continent’s future. These
decisions rely on evidence from scientific research. Moreover, only countries
that produce significant Antarctic research – as well as being parties to the
treaty – get to have a final say in these decisions.
Our new report – published as a preprint through the University of the Arctic –
shows the rate of research on the Antarctic and Southern Ocean is falling at
exactly the time when it should be increasing. Moreover, research leadership is
changing, with China taking the lead for the first time.
This points to a dangerous disinvestment in Antarctic research just when it is
needed, alongside a changing of the guard in national influence. Antarctica and
the research done there are key to everyone’s future, so it’s vital to
understand what this change might lead to."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
