Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
3rd Report - The UK and the Antarctic environment
Environmental Audit Committee
HC 499
Published 9 June 2025
Recommendations
4
Acknowledged
Articulate strategic rationale for UK’s Antarctic presence with transparent funding and regular review
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government more clearly articulates the rationale for the UK’s significant physical presence in Antarctica, outlining the strategic and scientific objectives behind this commitment. Transparency in funding and expenditure for Antarctic activities is also essential. The strategy …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation but provides no specific details on how it will articulate the UK’s rationale for its Antarctic presence, improve funding transparency, or implement review mechanisms.
5
Acknowledged
Convene Polar Regions Ministerial Group regularly to maintain strategic focus on critical regions
Recommendation
We commend the establishment of the Polar Regions Ministerial Group as recommended in our predecessor Committee’s report on The UK and the Arctic environment, and welcome its expansion to include Antarctic issues. Our predecessor Committee hoped that this ministerial group …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation but does not provide specific details on its plan to ensure the Polar Regions Ministerial Group continues to convene regularly or how it will ensure timely responses to challenges.
8
Acknowledged
Continue leading global efforts to protect Antarctica by reinforcing Antarctic Treaty System partnerships.
Recommendation
We recommend that the UK continues to lead global efforts to protect Antarctica by reinforcing partnerships within the Antarctic Treaty System. This includes fostering dialogue with all treaty members, including China, and ensuring that UK actions align with broader foreign …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation but provides no specific details on how it will continue to lead global efforts to protect Antarctica by reinforcing partnerships or fostering dialogue.
11
Acknowledged
Work with Antarctic Treaty System parties to enhance effectiveness of inspection processes.
Recommendation
We recommend that the UK work with other parties in the Antarctic Treaty System to review and enhance the effectiveness of inspection processes. By taking a leading role in this effort, the UK can help ensure greater transparency and accountability, …
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Government Response Summary
The government partially accepts the recommendation but provides no further details on how it intends to work with other parties to review and enhance inspection processes.
20
Acknowledged
Advocate for including Antarctic climate science in UNFCCC COP and stronger global emissions cuts.
Recommendation
The UK must continue to take a leading role within the Antarctic Treaty System and the UN’s COP process to strengthen global efforts to mitigate climate change, particularly in reducing carbon emissions. The Government should advocate for the inclusion of …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation but does not specify how it will advocate for the inclusion of Antarctic climate science in COP negotiations or push for stronger global action on carbon emissions.
23
Acknowledged
Articulate UK position on geoengineering in Antarctica and develop precautionary governance measures.
Recommendation
The Government should clearly articulate its position on geoengineering in Antarctica and lead efforts to develop precautionary governance measures under the Antarctic Treaty System, ensuring that any future discussions on geoengineering uphold the Treaty’s core principles of environmental protection and …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation but does not outline specific measures to articulate its position on geoengineering or lead efforts to develop precautionary governance measures under the Antarctic Treaty System.
34
Acknowledged
Support precautionary krill fishery management strategy with stricter spatial and temporal regulation.
Recommendation
The Government must also continue to support the adoption of a precautionary krill fishery management strategy, which remains essential to protect marine ecosystems in Antarctica. Scientific evidence underpins the need for stricter spatial and temporal management, especially in ecologically sensitive …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation to support a precautionary krill fishery management strategy and strengthen regulation, but does not provide specific actions or plans for implementation.
40
Acknowledged
Maintain robust oversight and collaboration among Treaty parties to ensure strict Protocol adherence.
Recommendation
It is crucial that the international community acts decisively to ensure that any attempts to bypass or erode the Protocol’s safeguards are promptly thwarted. We recommend that the UK and other Antarctic Treaty parties maintain robust oversight and collaboration to …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation for robust oversight, collaboration, continuous monitoring, and transparent reporting to ensure adherence to the Protocol, but provides no specific details on these measures.
42
Acknowledged
Articulate clear measures in Antarctic strategy to reinforce UK's role safeguarding Treaty provisions.
Recommendation
Furthermore, we recommend that the Government articulate clear measures in its forthcoming Antarctic strategy to reinforce the UK’s role in safeguarding the Treaty’s provisions. This should include enhanced diplomatic engagement, strengthened environmental monitoring mechanisms, and collaboration with international partners to …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation to articulate clear measures in its forthcoming Antarctic strategy, including enhanced diplomatic engagement and strengthened environmental monitoring, but offers no specific details on these measures.
45
Acknowledged
Foster international collaboration and stakeholder engagement by building consensus among Antarctic Treaty Parties.
Recommendation
The Government should actively foster international collaboration and stakeholder engagement by building consensus among Treaty Parties. As a trusted and experienced actor, the UK could play a pivotal role in Antarctic Treaty forums, facilitating dialogue to align visitor management practices …
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Government Response Summary
The government simply noted the recommendation without committing to any specific actions or changes regarding international collaboration in Antarctic Treaty forums.
50
Acknowledged
Advocate for a treaty-wide system within ATCM limiting Antarctic landings and sensitive site access.
Recommendation
A comprehensive and coherent framework for managing the environmental impacts of tourism is overdue. We welcome the decision by the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting to develop such a framework by 2028. The Government should actively advocate within the ATCM for …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation to actively advocate within the ATCM for a treaty-wide system with specific limits on tourism, but offers no details on its advocacy strategy or timeline.
58
Acknowledged
Establish long-term monitoring to assess scientific impact of Antarctic infrastructure upgrades.
Recommendation
To quantify the value for money and scientific impact of the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Project, we recommend that the Natural Environment Research Council establish long-term monitoring to assess the effects of infrastructure upgrades. This should focus on key metrics, such …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation for NERC to establish long-term monitoring and publish a report on the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Project outcomes, but provides no specific details or timelines.
60
Acknowledged
Establish dedicated long-term funding mechanisms for transformative Antarctic research projects.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Natural Environment Research Council and UK Research and Innovation establish dedicated funding mechanisms to support transformative Antarctic research, with substantial time commitments extending to at least ten years for large-scale projects. The current reliance on short-term …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation for NERC and UKRI to establish dedicated, long-term funding mechanisms for transformative Antarctic research but offers no specific plans for implementation.
61
Acknowledged
Increase funding envelope to cover 20% grant cost gap for British Antarctic Survey.
Recommendation
We note that the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), in common with other UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) research institutes, currently receives only 80% of its grant costs, compared to universities which receive full funding based on the Full Economic Cost …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation for NERC and UKRI to increase BAS's funding to cover 100% of grant costs without reducing other research support, but provides no specific commitment or timeline.
63
Acknowledged
Prioritise enhancing scientists' access to advanced autonomous and remote sensing technologies.
Recommendation
Recognising the evolving landscape of Antarctic science and the growing significance of advanced technologies, we recommend that the Government prioritise enhancing scientists’ access to cutting-edge tools such as autonomous vehicles, sensors, and robotic data collection systems. The expanded use of …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation to prioritise enhancing scientists' access to advanced technologies and for NERC to increase investment in remote sensing and autonomous systems, but offers no specific plans or funding commitments.
65
Acknowledged
Invest in targeted training and career development for early career Antarctic researchers.
Recommendation
Given the disruptions caused by COVID-19 and delays due to the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme, many early career researchers missed vital fieldwork opportunities, which has hindered their development and leadership potential in Antarctic research. To support both the growth of …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation for targeted investments in training and career development for early career researchers, including fieldwork, mentorship, and grants, but gives no specific details on how this will be implemented.
Conclusions (23)
1
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The United Kingdom has a long-standing presence in Antarctica, underpinned by its historical exploration, scientific leadership, and commitment to international cooperation. Through its active role in the Antarctic Treaty System and ongoing scientific research, the UK continues to contribute to the peaceful and sustainable management of the region. (Conclusion, Paragraph …
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the committee's conclusion (labelled as recommendation) that the UK has a significant presence in Antarctica and contributes to its management, but provides no further substance.
6
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The Antarctic Treaty System remains a model of international cooperation and the primary forum for environmental protection in Antarctica. The UK must continue to engage constructively within this framework to support peaceful collaboration and uphold the principles of the Treaty. (Conclusion, Paragraph 70)
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation but provides no specific details on how it will continue to engage constructively within the Antarctic Treaty System to support peaceful collaboration.
7
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has disrupted the consensus-based operation of the Antarctic Treaty System, complicating international cooperation. While the Antarctic Treaty System has largely insulated Antarctica from geopolitical tensions, they clearly have an effect. (Conclusion, Paragraph 71)
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's observation regarding geopolitical tensions affecting the Antarctic Treaty System. It states it will continue to advocate for science-based solutions and encourage consensus among Treaty Parties.
10
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Maintaining a rigorous inspection regime is essential for upholding the Antarctic Treaty System’s environmental and scientific standards. Current concerns highlight the need for active engagement in strengthening these mechanisms so that mutual confidence is ensured. (Conclusion, Paragraph 74) 95
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation but provides no specific details on how it will actively engage to strengthen the Antarctic Treaty System's inspection regime.
17
Conclusion
Acknowledged
These environmental changes are accelerating and have global consequences for climate stability and biodiversity. While the Antarctic Treaty System provides important protections, it cannot address climate change and biodiversity loss in isolation. Antarctica’s scientific and environmental significance must be better integrated into international climate and nature negotiations. The UK has …
Government Response Summary
The government accepts this conclusion, articulating its view on the necessary outcomes for UNFCCC COP30 regarding climate action. It also highlights existing commitments from Antarctic Treaty Parties to share climate change research and confirms the UK's ongoing commitment and past participation in global forums to communicate the threat and implications of climate change for Antarctica.
25
Conclusion
Acknowledged
We are concerned that the decline in UK based terrestrial biodiversity research capacity is significantly weakening the UK’s ability to monitor, understand, and respond to ecological changes in Antarctica. This loss of expertise risks undermining both the UK’s scientific leadership and its ability to meet its environmental responsibilities under the …
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the conclusion acknowledging concern about the decline in UK terrestrial biodiversity research capacity but does not state specific actions to address this weakening ability.
29
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The UK should play a more active leadership role in promoting Antarctic biodiversity protection at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting. (Conclusion, Paragraph 146)
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation to play a more active leadership role in promoting Antarctic biodiversity protection but provides no specific details on how it will achieve this.
31
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Receding sea ice levels will make Antarctica more accessible for longer periods, enabling greater exploitation of fisheries. We are concerned that certain fisheries in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean risk being overexploited, disrupting the marine food web, and damaging global ocean health. Krill depletion affects species populations across ecosystems and …
Government Response Summary
The government partially accepts the conclusion regarding concerns about overexploited fisheries and the need for stronger protections, without specifying reasons for partial acceptance or detailing any specific actions.
37
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Trust-building through collaborative science may help pave the way for consensus. The UK should champion joint scientific initiatives, particularly involving Chinese and Russian researchers, to demonstrate the ecological significance of proposed Marine Protected Areas and reduce political resistance to conservation measures. (Recommendation, Paragraph 181)
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation to champion joint scientific initiatives, including with Chinese and Russian researchers, but does not detail specific plans for these collaborations.
39
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Antarctica’s potential reserves of commercial mineral resources, including oil, coal, and iron ore, present a risk of future conflicts and environmental harm. While the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty enforces an indefinite mining ban, recent reports of Russian seismic surveys in Antarctic waters raise concerns that prospecting …
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the conclusion regarding the risks posed by potential mineral exploitation and concerns about possible breaches of the mining ban, but does not outline specific actions it will take in response.
44
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The UK should strengthen its leadership role in promoting a coordinated, treaty-wide framework for sustainable tourism management in Antarctica. Drawing on its well-regarded permitting regime and experience in environmental oversight, the UK is well positioned to champion more rigorous environmental impact assessments and advocate for consistent, high standards across all …
Government Response Summary
The government partially accepted the recommendation, indicating some agreement with strengthening the UK's leadership role in sustainable Antarctic tourism management but without specifying what actions it will take.
48
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The tourism sector has historically relied on self-regulation through bodies such as the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. While this has helped establish high operational standards, increasing tourist numbers and the emergence of non-member operators now challenge the effectiveness of this model. A more robust, proactive regulatory approach is …
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the conclusion that a more robust regulatory approach is required for Antarctica tourism to safeguard environmental integrity but provides no specific actions.
51
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Long-term, systematic monitoring of visitor activities is vital to assess the cumulative impact of tourism. The UK should promote the establishment of a coordinated monitoring programme across the Antarctic Treaty System. Data gathered should underpin adaptive management strategies, including the possibility of introducing caps on tourist numbers or restricting access …
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation for the UK to promote a coordinated monitoring programme across the Antarctic Treaty System, but provides no specific actions or timelines for this promotion.
52
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The UK should encourage all Parties to the Antarctic Treaty System to ratify unimplemented measures critical to tourism regulation, including Measure 4 (2004) on insurance and contingency planning, and Measure 15 (2009) on landings. Their adoption would significantly strengthen the regulatory framework and ensure greater consistency across operators. (Recommendation, Paragraph …
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation to encourage other Antarctic Treaty Parties to ratify critical unimplemented measures for tourism regulation, but does not detail how it plans to do so.
54
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Stronger enforcement mechanisms are necessary to address non- compliance. The UK should advocate for enforceable sanctions within the Antarctic Treaty System framework to deter breaches of permit conditions and ensure that tourism is conducted responsibly and in line with international standards. (Recommendation, Paragraph 228) UK scientific research in Antarctica
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation for the UK to advocate for enforceable sanctions within the Antarctic Treaty System framework but provides no specific plans on how it will achieve this.
55
Conclusion
Acknowledged
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 …
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the conclusion that understanding Antarctica is critical for climate change knowledge and that maintaining UK leadership in polar science is essential, without committing to new actions.
56
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Continued investment and international collaboration will be essential for maintaining the UK’s leading role in Antarctic research. By addressing infrastructure challenges and leveraging its scientific expertise, the UK can further its contributions to understanding and mitigating the effects of climate change and environmental change in Antarctica. (Conclusion, Paragraph 246)
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the conclusion that continued investment and international collaboration are essential for the UK's leading role in Antarctic research but provides no specific new commitments.
62
Conclusion
Acknowledged
As infrastructure projects near completion, the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) should implement a long-term strategy to maximise fieldwork opportunities, ensuring fair and efficient access for researchers. This should include improved scheduling, better logistical coordination, and contingency plans to prevent future disruptions. (Recommendation, Paragraph 269)
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation to implement a long-term strategy for maximising fieldwork opportunities, but provides no specific actions, timelines, or details on how this will be achieved.
64
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The UK Government should secure long-term access to high-quality satellite data by maintaining participation in European programmes beyond 2027 and expanding data-sharing agreements. Additionally, funding mechanisms 105 should be established to support researchers in accessing commercial satellite imagery, ensuring equitable use of remote sensing technology in Antarctic research. (Recommendation, Paragraph …
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation to secure long-term access to satellite data and establish funding mechanisms for commercial satellite imagery, without detailing specific actions or timelines.
66
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The UK’s strength in polar science reflects its ability to lead and influence at both national and international levels. Through collaborative research and reciprocal partnerships, the UK has advanced global scientific understanding while reinforcing its reputation for excellence in innovation and logistics. (Conclusion, Paragraph 281)
Government Response Summary
The government partially accepts this conclusion, detailing existing successful bilateral funding agreements and international partnerships through UKRI-NERC, including substantial collaborations with Australia, Germany, and Sweden. It also notes less developed partnerships with South Korea and New Zealand and highlights new opportunities via Horizon Europe.
70
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The RRS Sir David Attenborough is an exceptional research vessel, offering world-class facilities that are crucial for advancing polar marine science. Its capabilities significantly enhance the UK’s ability to conduct cutting-edge research in both the Arctic and Antarctic, positioning it as a key asset in marine science. (Conclusion, Paragraph 293)
Government Response Summary
The government partially accepts the committee's conclusion that the RRS Sir David Attenborough is an exceptional research vessel, without further elaboration.
73
Conclusion
Acknowledged
HMS Protector should be utilised more effectively to support the logistical needs of Antarctic research bases, similar to the role of US military and Coast Guard support for US stations. This could allow the RRS Sir David Attenborough to focus on scientific research, improving the overall productivity of Antarctic missions. …
Government Response Summary
The government notes the recommendation to utilise HMS Protector more effectively for logistical support and enhance collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and the British Antarctic Survey, but commits to no specific action.
74
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Additionally, HMS Protector’s role in logistics should be expanded, by upgrading her sensor systems with potential for collecting valuable data such as sea ice observations and oceanographic data. The Ministry of Defence should consult experts on expanding its onboard sensor capabilities and consider equipping Protector with a helicopter to increase …
Government Response Summary
The government partially accepts the recommendations to expand HMS Protector's logistical role, upgrade its sensor systems, and consider equipping it with a helicopter, but provides no specific details on which parts are accepted or what actions will be taken.