21. A Continent for Science, A Continent for peace: The Antarctic Treaty System

Antarctic Treaty System explained—why it matters today. Season 3 of South Pole begins with a deep, accessible guide to the Antarctic Treaty System: the international agreement that keeps Antarctica demilitarized, dedicated to peace, science, and environmental protection. Political and environmental philosopher Dr. Alejandra Mancilla (University of Oslo) traces how the treaty emerged from overlapping territorial claims and Cold War tensions—and how it evolved into today’s consultative vs. non-consultative membership model, where decision-making is tied to “substantial scientific research” and consensus rules shape outcomes. We unpack the 1991 Environmental Protocol, the ban on mineral extraction through 2048, and the big debates now facing Antarctic governance: tourism, legitimacy, climate change, and who gets to decide Antarctica’s future.Episode Guest: Dr. Alejandra MancillaVisit Dr. Mancilla’s websiteFind Dr. Mancilla’s article hereBrowse Dr. Mancilla’s publications on Google ScholarLearn more about the Antarctic Treaty hereSouth Pole: What if Antarctica had Legal Personhood?Read Antarctic journalist Tiara Walter’s work Episode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media WebsiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Nela RuizFind some more Pine Forest Media podcasts belowListen to Oceanography on Spotify or Apple PodcastsListen to Plastic Podcast on Spotify or Apple PodcastsListen to Something in the Water on Spotify or Apple Podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.