Call for Evidence

On 13 November 2024 the Committee agreed to reopen this inquiry with the same terms of reference as those adopted by the predecessor Committee. The call for evidence and terms of reference were published on 5 December and are set out below.

The Environmental Audit Committee in the 2024 Parliament has revived the Environmental Audit Sub-Committee on Polar Research's inquiry into The UK and the Antarctic Environment. In this revived inquiry the Committee will explore the effects of climate change in Antarctica, and the role that UK science can play in understanding and protecting the region.

Antarctica is experiencing climate change in ways which are not well understood but which may have huge consequences for the rest of the world, such as by causing sea levels to rise significantly. Changes to Antarctica’s climate also have serious consequences for the species living there, with Emperor penguins predicted to be virtually extinct by the end of this century. Polar scientists have called for an urgent intensification of national and international research and observational capabilities in view of rapid polar change.

The UK makes a very significant contribution to scientific research in and about the Antarctic, for example through the British Antarctic Survey, the research station at Rothera, and research vessels and ice patrol ships such as RRS Sir David Attenborough and HMS Protector.

The British Antarctic Territory is the oldest territorial claim to a part of the continent, and the UK was a founding signatory of the Antarctic Treaty System. There has been considerable recent expenditure by Government departments on the territory, including a £670 million programme, which includes both upgrading and expanding the UK research station at Rothera and £200 million for the construction of the RRS Sir David Attenborough.

The Committee plans to examine the following principal questions as it completes its revived inquiry:

 The Antarctic Environment

1. What are the most significant climate and environmental changes taking place in the Antarctic? What might they mean for the UK, for example in terms of sea level rise and our weather? How well prepared is the UK Government for these impacts?

2. What is the extent of plastic and microplastic pollution in the Antarctic? What could the UK Government do to reduce it?

3. What effect is climate change having on biodiversity in Antarctica? To what extent does the UK’s Blue Belt Programme address the protection of biodiversity in the Antarctic and the Overseas Territories in the South Atlantic?

4. What impact is tourism having on the Antarctic? How can the UK Government promote good business standards and best practice to reduce the environmental impact of commercial activities?

UK Science in Antarctica

5. How well placed is the UK to deliver the scientific priorities identified by national and international research communities?

6. How well does the UK support research in and about the Antarctic, and what can the UK do to position itself at the forefront of Antarctic science? What role does international collaboration play in understanding the global implications of climate change in Antarctica? How can the UK ensure that opportunities for international collaboration are maximised, and are there key partners with whom the UK should seek to work?

7. What impact has the UK’s investment in science infrastructure, through the RRS Sir David Attenborough and modernised station facilities, had on UK science in the Antarctic? How can the UK ensure that use of the UK’s infrastructure in the Antarctic is maximised, while minimising the environmental impacts of research activities?

8. How does HMS Protector benefit UK Antarctic science and how can her contribution be maximised?

9. What impact did the UK’s science Strategy UK science in Antarctica: 2014-2020 have and is a further strategy needed, especially in light of the UK’s recent capital expenditure on science infrastructure in Antarctica?

Antarctic Governance

10. What further action is needed through the Antarctic Treaty System to protect the Antarctic? What can the UK Government do to drive international action on environmental management alongside competing demands for the use of Antarctic resources?

11. What impact do current geopolitical tensions have on Antarctica, and the Antarctic Treaty System? What issues are affecting the treaty system and how can the UK use its influence to ensure that the continent remains a place of peace and cooperation?

12. How effective are the Protocol on Environmental Protection and the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources at managing Antarctica’s environment? What could the UK Government do to advocate for further environmental protections through the Antarctic Treaty System?

Written submissions, or supplementary submissions to written evidence already provided, addressing any or all of the terms of reference set out above, are invited, to be submitted to the Committee through the Committee’s web portal not later than 5.00 pm on Monday 23 December 2024.

Respondents need not answer all the questions and evidence need not be limited to these questions. Submissions should be not more than 3,000 words but shorter submissions are welcomed and encouraged. It is recommended that all submitters familiarise themselves with the Guidance on giving evidence to a Select Committee of the House of Commons which outlines word count, format, document size, and content restrictions.

We encourage members of underrepresented groups to submit written evidence. The House of Commons is committed to diversity and inclusion, and we will do our best to help you if a reasonable adjustment would enable you to participate in the Committee’s inquiry. If you require an adjustment, such as an extension to the deadline or submitting evidence in a different format, please contact eacom@parliament.uk.