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The use and abuse of polar environmental resources

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 October 2009

Martin W. Holdgate
Martin W. Holdgate
Affiliation:
Department of the Environment and Department of Transport, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 3EB
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Abstract

Living resources of polar zones (areas limited by the 10°C isotherm for the warmest month) have in the past been developed exploitively: examples range from 17th century Arctic whales to musk oxen, caribou, and most recently fin fish stocks from Antarctic waters. Mineral resources as yet remain under-developed, particularly in the Antarctic. This is due to a combination of technological problems imposed by the harsh environment, and marketing problems accentuated by remoteness. Recent scientific and technological advances make further mineral exploitation feasible, though markets do not as yet justify the high costs of development in the Antarctic, where there remain unsolved technical and transportation problems. Future exploitation of living resources is likely to be more conservative than hitherto, especially in the Antarctic where the Treaty System provides potential safeguards. Management plans based on rational decision-making, and incorporating environmental safety measures, are needed to ensure that all further development of renewable natural resources, at either end of the earth, is conducted on a sustainable basis, and that all development proceeds with minimal environmental disturbance.

Type
Articles
Information
Polar Record , Volume 22 , Issue 136 , January 1984 , pp. 25 - 49
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1984

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