Antarctica Faces Increased Risks from Tourism and Climate Change

Kathmandu. Experts have expressed serious concern over the increasing risk of pollution, disease, and ecological damage in the fragile environment of Antarctica as attraction grows due to its rapid melting caused by climate change. The continent, considered Earth's most remote and sensitive region, is experiencing a rapid surge in tourist pressure with a 'last chance' mentality.

Although the number of tourists currently appears relatively low, the growth rate is extraordinary. Despite the high cost and long travel time, the number of people visiting Antarctica has increased significantly in recent years, alerting scientists and environmentalists.

In 2024 alone, over 80,000 tourists landed on the continent, while about 36,000 observed from their ships. Data shows that tourism activities have increased tenfold in the last three decades, and this number is estimated to increase by three to four times in the coming decade.

The most visited area of Antarctica is the Peninsula. It is considered one of the regions with the fastest temperature increase in the world. According to NASA, an average of 149 billion metric tons of ice melted every year from 2002 to 2020, further intensifying the environmental imbalance here.

Health risks associated with tourism are also surfacing. Recently, the world's attention was drawn to a deadly outbreak of the rare Hantavirus on the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the ship departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1 and traveled to Antarctica and surrounding islands. The organization stated it is investigating the possibility of human-to-human transmission on the ship. Preliminary estimates suggest the first infected person may have been infected before the trip.

Disease risks have been observed on cruise ships before. The risk remains high as infections like Norovirus spread quickly in confined spaces. The outbreak of COVID-19 on the Diamond Princess ship in 2020 served as an example of how risky such journeys can be. Although Hantavirus is usually transmitted through the droppings of infected rodents like rats or mice, this incident has added new concerns.

Environmental risks are also on the rise. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that avian flu has reached Antarctica through migratory birds. This situation highlights the need for stricter regulation of tourist activities.

Organizations including the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators have implemented strict hygiene and conduct rules for tourists. During visits, instructions are given to maintain distance from animals, avoid unnecessary contact with the ground, and keep shoes and equipment completely clean. Travelers and crew use special cleaning equipment to remove microorganisms, seeds, or dirt that may stick to shoes and gear.

According to experts, some tourists visit with a 'last chance tourism' mentality, wanting to witness the melting landscape firsthand. However, this very trend increases the risk of creating further long-term pressure on the environment.

Antarctica is a region designated for peaceful and scientific purposes only under the Antarctic Treaty of 1959. The treaty clearly stipulates that any visit should not negatively impact the environment or its scientific and aesthetic value. However, concerns are also being raised that as tourism rapidly increases, old regulations may not be sufficient.

Environmentalists say that Antarctica needs to be regulated as strictly as other sensitive ecological regions of the world. According to them, if the current growth rate is ignored, this invaluable continent could face severe damage in the future.