Antarctic, source of problems

1991/03/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Ekologia

This extensive territory located in the South Pole has been a source of information during the past decade. The ozone hole and the greenhouse effect have generated a great concern in society. In spite of the fact that in this decade of beginning the aforementioned problems are maintained, new ones will be added.

The world economic powers know the wealth of the lands of the South Pole. However, thanks to the agreement signed by 39 states for the custody of the Antarctic, to date the local treasury has been well respected.

At a meeting held last year in Madrid, the signatory states began to show different views. While Japan, the United Kingdom and the U.S. advocated opening the way to exploitation of the territory, Australia and France showed supporters of leaving things as they were.

At present, although the right of veto used by these last subsidiary states, scientists and researchers have shown their concern, since the veto limits the exploitation of the territory and the research that can be carried out in it.