Critical appraisal of Antarctic governance: UNEP, IWC, Antarctic Treaty (1959), Protocol on Environmental Protection (1991), IWC Whaling Moratorium (1982)
Several international agreements and organisations govern Antarctica. You need to judge how well each one actually protects this shared wilderness from damage.
Real World
Japan exploited the IWC's 'scientific whaling' loophole to kill over 300 minke whales annually until the International Court of Justice ruled against it in 2014 — exposing how weak enforcement mechanisms allow treaty obligations to be circumvented.
Exam Focus
For 'critically appraise' questions, match each governance body to a specific success AND failure; avoid describing treaties without evaluating their actual effectiveness.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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