Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 55
55
UK leadership in Antarctic science is crucial for climate change knowledge and global presence.
Conclusion
A full understanding of Antarctica is critical to the development of climate change knowledge, as conditions below the 60th parallel influence global weather patterns, ocean circulation, and sea-level rise. The UK, a leader in 103 Antarctic science, contributes around 15% of global research on the region and ranks third worldwide in scientific output. This expertise supports the UK’s ambition to be a “science superpower”, as articulated in the 2021 Integrated Review. Maintaining UK leadership in polar science is essential for addressing climate challenges and enhancing the UK’s global scientific presence. (Conclusion, Paragraph 234)
Government Response
A response document is linked to this report, dated 11 September 2025. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document ↗