by Mark Hopkins

Created on: November 01, 2007

Antarctica is a very special place. It is the only continent to escape significant pillaging by Mankind....at least so far. As the rest of the planet suffers ever increasing over-exploitation of finite resources, covetous eyes are fixed upon the icy wastes of the Antarctic and the untold wealth that must surely lie beneath its snows.

By international agreement, no nation is allowed to exploit the resources of the Antarctic for the moment. It has been considered too precious and delicate an ecosystem, a pristine land which should remain unsullied. But how long can this policy be sustained for?

Britain played a major role in the discovery and exploration of Antarctica; the heroic but fatal failure of Captain Scott's bid to be first to the Pole ( beaten by the Norwegian, Amundsen) the incredible feats of Ernest Shackleton, whose ship was crushed in the polar ice yet who lost not a single expedition member, are the stuff of legend. Britain has, as a consequence, long standing and legally unchallenged claims to significant areas of the continent, as do other nations.

There can be no question of Britain 'grabbing' land in Antarctica. Her historic claims are well known and are well founded. There should be no question of trying to enlarge upon them unless, perhaps, to forestall others who may wish to defy international agreements and exploit the continent's resources.

Britain should continue to resist the exploitation of Antarctica. The capitalist system's lust for profit is insatiable and goes far beyond reason. Even two planets would not be enough to satisfy its maw for long, let alone one continent. The sacrifice of Antarctica would be further proof that Humankind, or at least its leaders, are driven by an incurable form of suicidal insanity. Antarctica should be allowed to remain unspoilt. Ideally there would be agreement that it 'belongs' to no one, any more than the air does. Let it be the world's first International Park, and let us treasure it by staying away and leaving it alone.

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