Carbon emissions in Antarctica

• Main Authors: Domaas, Christel, Mauriohooho, Penny
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: English
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: Antarctic; The Antarctic; Antarc*; Antarctica; COMNAP
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10092/14312

In this report we consider (i) how National Programmes should respond to the challenge of reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions and (ii) how National Programmes balance environmental values with other values associated with Antarctica. The rate of carbon emissions from activities undertaken in Antarctica, the impact of climate change in Antarctica and globally, and the role of the Antarctic in climate change science are all reasons why the reduction of carbon emissions should be important to National Programmes. National Programmes are obliged to follow the framework provided by the Antarctic Treaty System and COMNAP guidelines. However, analysis of the current practices of a sample of three National Programmes shows that their approach to reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions is varied. In light of this, we recommend further initiatives that could be undertaken by National Programmes to enhance their efforts to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Any activity undertaken in Antarctica will have an environmental impact. In order to balance the conflict between environmental and other values National Programmes need to:  Factor in the environmental impact of their activities; and  Aim to minimise this impact.