After several decades in research, including 22 years at the Australian Antarctic Division, this scientist is standing up for our icy continent. Here’s why Antarctic research needs ongoing funding.

I’ve spent 40 years in Antarctic and subantarctic research.

Some 22 of those were spent at the federal government’s Australian Antarctic Division; my final day there was last Thursday.

No longer a public servant, I feel compelled, as a private citizen now, to publicly stand up for the icy continent and the benefit of Antarctic science to society.

Antarctica is governed by the Antarctic Treaty, negotiated by 12 countries, including Australia, during the Cold War in 1959.

In July, the ABC reported the Antarctic Division told staff A$25 million in budget savings was needed this financial year.

  • BruceTwarzen@kbin.social
    4·
    10 months ago

    US senators bringing snowballs into court and say: see, climate change is not real. But sure, let’s tackle the Antarctic