A new policy statement from the Biden administration has pledged to protect the Antarctic Region and its unique ecosystems, while also promoting international cooperation in the region, a White House press release stated.
The National Security Memorandum (NSM) was signed by President Biden ahead of the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting. The new policy outlines a comprehensive vision for cooperation in the areas of climate science, environmental protection, and sustainable development. The United States has committed to maintaining the Antarctic Region as an area of international cooperation reserved exclusively for peaceful purposes. The policy also reaffirms the importance of scientific research and environmental protection, while also promoting international cooperation and collaboration. The US government has pledged to work with international partners to promote peace and science in the region, and to safeguard US national interests.
The policy also highlights the unique opportunities for scientific research and environmental protection in the Antarctic Region. The US has the largest scientific program in the Antarctic Region, with stations on the continent and assets dedicated to exploring and understanding the Southern Ocean. The US National Science Foundation (NSF) manages the US Antarctic Program, which provides funding for research in a range of areas, including climate science, oceanography, and biodiversity. The Biden administration has pledged to continue its support for research stations and to modernize the nation’s polar icebreaker fleet.
The US government is also committed to work with Congress to meet international commitments and to ensure the appropriate domestic legislation and regulations to safeguard the US interests in the Antarctic Region. The new policy statement replaces the 1994 policy and reflects the Biden administration’s commitment to modernize outdated policies and address climate change.
The policy outlines a comprehensive vision for cooperation in the areas of climate science, environmental protection, and sustainable development. The US government has pledged to work with international partners to promote peace and science in the region, and to safeguard US national interests.