China Seeks Approval of New Antarctic Station

No one nations owns the continent of Antarctica, but according to international agreements the construction of any station in this frigid continent requires the approval of the Australian Antarctic Division. For this reason, China has submitted a request to the Australian organization for what they say will be a climate change research station.

The Australians will need to gauge the environmental impact of the station and if approved the construction will commence in the Northern Victoria Land region. Specifically, the site of the station will be on Terra Nova Bay’s Inexpressible Island.

In China’s official request for the station, they cite that the research facility will involve various scientific disciplines to investigate the impact of climate changes.

“The main purpose of the new Chinese station is to provide an international platform for regional multidisciplinary research focusing on the chain reactions caused by the changing climate,” the environmental approval submission said.

Presuming their request is approved in a timely manner, the Chinese will begin construction of the facility in December 2015 and commence operation in the first months of 2017. The formal submission is 200 pages long and covers a wide range of issues regarding how the facility will minimize pollution stemming from waste control, heating issues, and water waste discharge. Specifically, the threat to penguins and other wildlife will be carefully studied in the request. Public comment is welcomed until March 21.

On The Web:

China seeks environment approval for new Antarctic station: Australian authority
http://www.china.org.cn/world/Off_the_Wire/2014-01/27/content_31323831.htm