Environmental Stewardship

The continent of Antarctica has been formally set aside for scientific research, and the nations that have signed the Antarctic Treaty (official link ,Wikipedia link) have agreed to defer territorial claims, plans for permanent settlement, and resource development.  Antarctica is managed by many nations through the Antarctic Treaty System, not a single nation or agency. Antarctica remains a place where science can directly inform policy and scientists have a role to play in developing the rules by which they operate to preserve the form and function of these remote, novel landscapes.  Given the pristine nature of Antarctic, the Palmer LTER is focused on conducting research that does not perturb the environment. There is significant planning that goes into each year’s field planning with a goal of delivering excellent science with no impact on the beautiful Antarctic environment.