From Pole to Peril: Record-Breaking Tourism Puts Antarctica on Thin Ice

The last untouched wilderness within the belly of the Earth, Antarctica, increasingly feels the pressure of a wide-sweeping tourism expansion. Recent functions bring alarming news of a record number of tourists visiting this icy continent-a complaint echoed by environmentalists and scientists alike. The influx of many tourists, it is claimed, could lead to the interfering of delicate ecosystems, the introduction of invasive species, and the intensified effects of climate change. Experts warn that without proper regulation, Antarctica's unique biodiversity is at risk of becoming irreparably damaged. Conservation groups are calling for the prohibition of almost everything they don't want and for more funding for research to monitor and minimize any damage. As this debate heats up, policymakers are being urged to balance economic self-interest against those of the preservation of this globally important resource.

 

Source: Antartic Conservation News