Antarctica: The World's Greatest Story of Cooperation
Antarctica isn't just a climate story.
For more than 65 years, Antarctica has been governed by one of the most remarkable international agreements ever created. At the height of the Cold War, countries with competing territorial claims agreed to set conflict aside and dedicate an entire continent to peace, science and environmental protection.
Meet Claire Christian, Executive Director of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC) - the only environmental organisation invited to participate directly in meetings of the Antarctic Treaty System. With more than 15 years working inside the Treaty System, Claire offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the world cooperates to protect one of the most important places on earth.
Meet Claire Christian, Executive Director of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC) - the only environmental organisation invited to participate directly in meetings of the Antarctic Treaty System. With more than 15 years working inside the Treaty System, Claire offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the world cooperates to protect one of the most important places on earth.
In this episode:
- Why the Antarctic Treaty remains one of humanity's greatest diplomatic achievements
- How Antarctica shapes climate, oceans and sea levels around the world
- What Antarctica can teach us about our relationship with nature
- The challenges of protecting the Southern Ocean in a changing climate
- Why consensus is the Antarctic Treaty System's greatest strength and biggest frustration
- The future of our coldest and driest continent
Timestamps:
00:31 Why Antarctica Matters
00:31 Why Antarctica Matters
04:19 Meet Claire Christian
05:58 How Antarctica Shapes the World
08:59 The Ross Sea Success Story
10:55 Inside the Antarctic Treaty
16:25 Midpoint Reflections - The Human Side of Diplomacy
18:54 Antarctica and the News
20:26 What Claire Has Learned From Visiting Antarctica
22:27 A Wonderful World of Invertebrates
23:27 The Issue of Krill
25:09 Thwaites Glacier
25:57 The Climate Challenge
28:10 A Vision for Antarctica's Future
30:02 What Antarctica Can Teach Us
31:46 Final Reflections
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About Fix The News:
Fix The News is a solutions-focused media platform sharing stories from the frontlines of progress - exploring what’s working in the world and the people making it happen.
Fix The News is a solutions-focused media platform sharing stories from the frontlines of progress - exploring what’s working in the world and the people making it happen.
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Production credits:
Hosted by Angus Hervey and Amy Davoren-Rose
Produced by Fix The News
Audio production: Anthony Badolato, Hear That!
Hosted by Angus Hervey and Amy Davoren-Rose
Produced by Fix The News
Audio production: Anthony Badolato, Hear That!
This episode was produced in Australia on the lands of the Gadigal, Wurundjeri and Woi Wurrung peoples.
Creators and Guests
Host
Amy Davoren Rose
Amy Rose is the Creative Director at Fix The News. After 15 years in legacy media, she now uses storytelling, writing and production to shine a light on the people quietly changing the world for the better. She one of humanity’s biggest cheerleaders and still believes there’s no substitute for putting pen to paper.
Host
Angus Hervey
Editor of Fix The News, recovering political economist, co-host of two podcasts: Fix The News + A Short History Of Saving The World. He is committed to showing that we’re making progress (even if we don't hear much about it) and that, despite the setbacks, humanity is still rising to meet many of the big challenges of our time.
Guest
Claire Christian
Claire has worked for ASOC since 2009 and has substantial expertise on a full range of issues relevant to the Antarctic environment. Her aim is to educate and inspire people around the world to protect the Antarctic continent and its surrounding ocean, which are some of the world’s last great wilderness areas. She coordinates policy and strategy related to many issues that impact the Antarctic environment including tourism, fisheries, marine protected areas and climate change.
