Antarctica: Challenges and the Future of the Continent

A Continent Under Pressure

Drawing on his ten scientific expeditions to Antarctica, Professor Chappellaz outlined the dual pressures facing the continent: accelerating climate change and increasing human activity.

We’re burning fossil fuels and emitting greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which is warming the planet and warming Antarctica. Antarctica potentially represents 60 meters of additional sea-level rise on this planet, with potentially monstrous consequences for many of our societies.

He also addressed the rapid growth in Antarctic tourism, where visitor numbers have increased fourteenfold over the past 25 years, reaching more than 106,000 tourists in 2023. Rather than advocating for a ban, Chappellaz called for stronger oversight:

I really believe there should be official observers systematically placed aboard ships to monitor how tourists interact with the animals encountered there and how they manage their waste. Proper oversight is essential.

A Model of International Cooperation

The discussion highlighted the strength of the Antarctic Treaty and the Madrid Protocol, which have safeguarded the continent since 1959 and 1991 respectively. Chappellaz described this governance framework as “extremely intelligent,” noting that any change to the protocol would require unanimity among decision-making parties and approval from 70% of all treaty signatories.

Addressing concerns about potential resource exploitation — including reports of petroleum reserves — he emphasized that environmental and logistical barriers remain a powerful deterrent:

You have to cross the Southern Ocean to get there, and just imagining an oil tanker regularly crossing this ocean to transport petroleum… technically it’s extremely complicated.

Science at the Core

Around 80 research stations currently operate across the continent, with roughly 65 functioning year-round. The establishment of new stations — such as China’s recently approved fifth Antarctic research base — must undergo rigorous environmental review by all treaty signatories.
These infrastructures play a vital role in studying climate change, polar ecosystems, and the evolution of the cryosphere, providing essential data to the international scientific community.

Looking Ahead

Despite geopolitical uncertainties, both guests underscored the importance of preserving Antarctica as a space dedicated to peace, science, and international cooperation.

Antarctica is a geopolitical utopia that belongs to everyone and to no one. We must remain collectively responsible for this planetary jewel.

Chappellaz echoed this perspective, comparing the role of scientists to that of physicians:

Our role is to deliver a diagnosis based on observations. It is then up to citizens and policymakers to act.