How has the Antarctic Treaty changed how humans interact with Antarctica?

Answer 1

Before the enactment of the Antarctic Treaty in the 1960s, mankind pursued the geography for the purposes of land ownership. Nation-states made territorial claims on Antarctica and established facilities on these lands.

Culturally, mankind has historically used the earth's natural resources for profit. The exception is the native peoples who recognized that the land requires stewardship, so that it can support subsequent generations.

The Antarctic Treaty dictates that all land south of 60 degrees S is preserved for the scientific study of the health of planet earth. This makes Antarctica a peaceful continent, where no military testing or military exercises can be conducted. Nor can there be any extraction of minerals or other resources from the land.

All scientific work on the continent, conducted by the temporary scientists and workers -- from 1,000 to 4,500 depending on the season -- is shared with all signatory nation-states of the treaty. These governments represent about 80% of the population of planet earth.

Humans benefit from this scientific work, because scientists are discovering earth's environmental cycles. As well, the position of the Earth within the solar system is being more deeply understood.