By Dylan Duan, CNN
2 minute read
Updated 12:00 PM EDT, Fri April 13, 2024
(CNN) – Delegates discuss differing opinions regarding economic and environmental issues at the latest Arctic Treaty System (ATS) conference.
Lately, the Antarctic Treaty Systems (ATS) have been split in different directions — each with leading powers planning different motives. Following heated debates, two blocs have emerged: one under the United States of America and under the People’s Republic of China, which agree on non-resource extraction in Antarctica. Also, the Russian Federation and the United Kingdom agreed on limiting their resource extraction.
Developing nations have stated that foreign aid would be greatly appreciated. The United Kingdom stated:
“Establishing an aid system to use advanced technology for developing countries in need and allocating resources is our chief concern to make the world cleaner for newer generations. China cannot be trusted with their asthma production and other things for violating the treaty. They limit the developing countries to being assisted, even though they have so many resources.”
China reacted: “Our policies are against resources, and we have not violated the treaty, but they have. Trust is a strong word, and in our bloc, we want to trust and listen to ideas being passed. China wishes for peace, but when attacked in arguments, we will retaliate and make our motives clear.”
Climate change is another prevalent issue resulting in change and conflict in various countries. Brazil expressed:
“There are billions of metric tons of oil in Antarctica that should not be used for economic benefits, as this harms the environment and violates the treaty.”
Furthermore, the delegation from South Africa stated:
“Antarctica should be prohibited for tourism and kept a private research place, as this makes it easier for ecosystems roaming around the continent.”
This resulted in other major countries taking a role in keeping the environment clean and sustainable, pitching diverse ideas such as clean energy without the use of fossil fuels, and aiding programs to help developing countries.