Ministers to give evidence on British science in Antarctica
British scientists and researchers have been active in Antarctica for over a century: but what is their role in the region, and how is their work deepening our knowledge of climate change?
Science Minister Lord Vallance and Foreign Office Minister Stephen Doughty MP will give evidence to the Environmental Audit Committee as members conclude its predecessor Committee’s work on ‘The UK and the Antarctic environment’. The inquiry was established to examine the role of UK science in understanding the effects of climate change in Antarctica, and how well the UK Government is meeting its obligations under the Antarctic Treaty.
In addition to the evidence session, the Committee is inviting further written evidence to help inform its conclusions and recommendations to Government.
Meeting details
During the evidence session on Wednesday, former Chair of the Environmental Audit Sub-Committee on Polar Research, James Gray, will discuss the predecessor Committee’s findings and its visit to Antarctica in December 2023 and January 2024. Members will also hear from Professor Dame Jane Francis of the British Antarctic Survey and Dr Iain Williams from the Natural Environment Research Council on the role of UK science, Antarctic infrastructure and logistics, and funding.
The final panel will include Science Minister Lord Vallance, Foreign Office Minister Stephen Doughty MP and Head of the Polar Regions Department at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Jane Rumble. Members will be keen to hear the Government’s key priorities for science in the region, how UK involvement in the Antarctic Treaty can help protect biodiversity and combat the effects of climate change, and the future of Government funding to support science and research efforts in Antarctica.