Antarctica Examined: Part IV

Antarctica Connection IV: Technology

Pressing Challenge:
Today we examine the role and importance of technology in the frozen tundra. As highlighted last week, Antarctica's lack of natural resources, remote location, and decentralized governance structures serve as barriers to development and progress. Life below the 60th parallel is disconnected, difficult, and cold. Straightforward tasks become life-threatening undertakings.  Jobs such as navigating the arctic seas, heating buildings, and constructing airport runways turn into long-term projects that require innovative solutions.

However, with the challenge of living and working in a hostile environment springs the opportunity for scientific and technological advancement. Life in the arctic is much different than it was 100 years ago because of technology. For instance, when Sir Ernest Shackleton traveled throughout the South Atlantic in the early 1900s he was unable to use modern global positioning devices or gaze at the stars with state-of-the-art telescopes. Instead he relied on a rudimentary sextant and his naked eye. Vast improvements in naval navigation, building techniques, and scientific understanding of the polar ice caps have allowed Antarctica to thrive and its inhabitants live comfortably. Modern technology has improved the quality of life in the lower continent and set a forward-looking agenda for the rest of the world.

Strategic Response:
As noted above, Antarctica is truly a breeding ground for strategic solutions. The entire continent is a laboratory for the future. Its purpose as a land of innovation is outlined by the Antarctic Treaty, which designates the continent as a territory for “international cooperation” and “scientific investigation” to advance “all mankind.”

Today, technology revolutionizes life in Antarctica. Rugged supercomputers allow scientists to analyze data in the field. For example, the Polar Grid System, designed by engineers and scientists at Indiana University, allows the collection and mapping of Antarctica ice and bedrock. Its durable design and highly-sophisticated computational software both processes and transmits complex sets of data on glacial melting. Additionally, advancements in engineering provide new techniques for building more permanent structures on the South Pole (knowledge that can be applied throughout the world). For instance, the relatively new Amundsen-Scott Station is designed to be both energy-efficient and safe under extreme weather conditions. The entire building is built above the ground and can be raised to prevent it from being covered by high arctic snow drifts. Finally, improvements in astronomy offer scientists a chance to get even closer to the outer reaches of our galaxy. New Scientist magazine notes that “the Antarctic plateau is the best place on Earth to view the stars.” Chinese, Australian, and American explorers have invested millions in constructing powerful, automated telescopes to examine outer space from the South Pole. We have certainly come a long way from dog-sleds, canvass tents, and sextants.

Antarctica provides enormous challenges. At the same time these challenges inspire new, forward-thinking technologies to solve difficult problems (technologies that can be utilized in Antarctica and throughout the international system).

Remember to log in to our website tomorrow for the last update on Antarctica’s connection to the work of the Global Strategy Institute.