Antarctic environment

Global importance of Antarctica

Although isolated from other continents, Antarctica is connected to the rest of the world through oceanic and atmospheric circulations. Antarctica and the surrounding Southern Ocean are key drivers of Earth’s oceanic and atmospheric systems.
2016
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Antarctic environment
Introduction
Marine South WestMarine South EastAntarctica
Antarctic environment

The natural environment

The Antarctic environment comprises diverse habitats and ecosystems that include: ice-covered areas; ice-free vegetated areas and rocks; saltwater and freshwater lakes and streams; intertidal areas; sea ice; and mid-water, deepwater and benthic regions...
2016
Relates to
Antarctic environment
Introduction
Antarctica
Antarctic environment

Antarctic governance

The Antarctic Treaty and a set of related international agreements, known collectively as the Antarctic Treaty System, provide the framework for governance of the Antarctic region.
2016
Relates to
Antarctic environment
Introduction
Antarctica
Antarctic environment

Australian Antarctic Territory

The AAT comprises an area of approximately 5.9 million km2, and its coastline extends more than 11,200 kilometres (excluding offshore islands). 
2016
Relates to
Antarctic environment
Introduction
Antarctica
Antarctic environment

Antarctic environment: 2011–16 in context

Since 2011, the Antarctic environment has continued to respond to global pressures from human activity.
2016
Relates to
Antarctic environment
Introduction
Antarctica
Klekociuk A, Wienecke B (2016). Antarctic environment: Topics. In: Australia state of the environment 2016, Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy, Canberra, https://soe.environment.gov.au/theme/antarctic-environment/topics?framework=13661, DOI 10.4226/94/58b65b2b307c0