Antarctica in International Law

Antarctica, one of the world's last great wilderness areas, presents special challenges for international law. Fears that Antarctica would become a front in the Cold War had catalyzed agreement on the 1959 Antarctic Treaty, which neither legitimized nor challenged the existing sovereign claims to the continent. The unique Antarctic Treaty System has provided the foundation for peaceful, harmonious, and effective governance. There are, however, new anxieties about the frozen continent and the Southern Ocean. Antarctica is already experiencing the effects of climate change and ocean acidification. Claimant States are asserting rights to the Antarctic continental shelf, while interest in Antarctic resources grows. Tourism brings new environmental and safety risks. China and other powers are increasing their activities, with some questioning the consensus of the 'Antarctic club.' Security concerns are increasingly discussed, despite Antarctica's dedication to peaceful purposes. This book brings together the main primary international materials concerning the regulation and governance of Antarctica, including multilateral and bilateral treaties, UN materials, 'soft laws,' and judicial decisions. It covers the spectrum of Antarctic issues from environmental protection to scientific cooperation to tourism. As it shows, Antarctic law has constantly adapted to meet new challenges and is a sophisticated, inclusive, dynamic, and responsive regime. (Series: Documents in International Law) [Subject: Public International Law, Polar Law, Treaty Law, Energy Law, Environmental Law, Natural Resources Law]

Ben Saul is Professor of International Law and an Australian Research Council Future Fellow at the Faculty of Law, University of Sydney.Tim Stephens is Professor of International Law and an Australian Research Council Future Fellow at the Faculty of Law, University of Sydney.