human impact

HUMAN IMPACT ON ANTARCTICA

Antarctica is often thought of as a pristine land untouched by human disturbance.

People in Antarctica let out sewerage and rubbish and these can poison the animals. If there is too much pollution, animals can die and if this continues the species will become extinct.

Hunting is another way that species can become extinct. Over hunting of whales and seals has caused these animals to become almost extinct in Antarctica.

There are also planet wide effects on Antarctica. Global warming has contributed to the melting of the ice shelves. The reduction of the ozone layer and global contamination has also effected the Antarctica environment causing effects on the ability of animals to survive.

Over fishing of the region can cause a large environmental impact. Over fishing can destroy forever, the fishing habitat and ruin the food chain of many of the animals. Excessive fishing will eventually lead to the extinction of fishing colonies and fish species.

Human visitors, scientists and tourists that travel to Antarctica all have an effect on the environment. They have the potential to harm the area if they leave waste and rubbish that is harmful to the flora and fauna of the region.

Long-line fishing can be very harmful. This technique of fishing often means that fish that are not targeted, are taken inadvertently and this can lead to the loss of non-target species.

Although human presence in Antarctica can have an impact, the environment is also able to tolerate some disturbances. It is when the disturbances become excessive that sometimes damage is done that can never be reversed. All environments can cope with some human impact.

It is necessary to carefully measure the impact to find out if the environment is being harmed in a way that it will be destroyed forever.

Waste that enters the waters off any country (such as Australia) that is close to Antarctica can have an effect. All countries should be careful of the wastes that are put into the oceans as these can all spread through the waters, anywhere around the world.

Globally, anything in the air or water can travel to Antarctica and it is up to all countries to make sure that globally environments are looked after and this will help preserve the land and environment of Antarctica.