• The Antarctic region has been experiencing rapid change in recent decades
due to human induced factors. Most notably, climate heating is causing ice
sheet melting, leading to sea level rise and disruption in global ocean heat
circulation, with far-reaching global consequences.
• At the same time, this region holds unique research potential that can help
address a range of critically important scientific priorities, including climate
change impacts, ecosystem protection, the likelihood of extra-terrestrial life
and monitoring of space debris.
• Due to its long and impressive record of Antarctic research and its scientific,
engineering and logistical capabilities in the region, the United Kingdom (UK)
is strategically well-positioned to lead or play a key role in the delivery of these
research priorities.
• To achieve this potential, the UK must act collectively and in partnership with
others, as the best and most urgent research benefits from collaboration,
cooperation and cost sharing. Crucially, it must mobilise experts both from
within the UK and internationally from a range of disciplines, including the
social sciences. In the twenty-first century, Antarctic research must not exist
within its own bubble