What’s the future for Australia in Antarctica?

This presentation will explore Australia’s Antarctic presence; Antarctica’s importance for Australia; the climate-driven changes in Antarctica and their consequences for Australia; and the planet, and the influence of global geopolitics on Antarctica’s future.

Australia has a long and proud history of Antarctic exploration and scientific endeavour. Australia claims 42% of the continent as the Australian Antarctic Territory and is an original signatory to the Antarctic Treaty. Australia is a leading nation in Antarctic science and Antarctic affairs. As we progress through the 21^st Century, what does the future hold for Australia’s presence in Antarctica.

Tony Press is an adjunct Professor at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, and the Australian Antarctic Program Partnership, at the University of Tasmania. He was formerly the CEO of the Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre from 2009 to 2014; and Director of the Australian Antarctic Division from 1998 to 2009. He chaired the Antarctic Treaty’s Committee for Environmental Protection from 2002 to 2006; was Australia’s representative to the CEP and variously Head of Delegation and Alternative Representative to Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings from 1999 to 2008; and was Australia’s Commissioner to the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources from 1998 to 2008.

Dr Press provided the Australian Government with the 20 Year Australian Antarctic Strategic Plan in 2014.

Dr Press is well known nationally and internationally for his work in Antarctic and Southern Ocean policy and science, and for his work on climate change.

Photo by Cassie Matias via Unsplash