Resources, Science, Tourism, Politics

Hosted by Global Challenges, iAccelerate and Science Space, Antarctic Footprints will exhibit photography, video footage, sculpture, tapestry and research outputs from Antarctic researchers and Homeward Bound participants at the iAccelerate Centre from 12 April – 2 May. 

Antarctica is often thought of as pristine, untouched by human disturbance, however, this is no longer the case. Antarctic Footprints examines the human presence in Antarctica over the last century and engages the wider public to gain a new understanding of Antarctica, its industries, its ecosystems and the impact humans have had on its environment.

Antarctica is the coldest, driest and windiest continent and one of the harshest and most unique environments on Earth. Antarctica’s ice-free coastal regions are rich in biodiversity consisting of highly specialised Antarctic flora and fauna, which have evolved over long periods of isolation. However, recent human-induced changes in climate, including the ozone hole over Antarctica, are having profound impacts.

First discovered just 200 years ago, in the 19th century whaling and seal hunting caused major declines in Antarctic wildlife populations within only a few decades. Tourist operators are now also tapping into the huge demand to visit this last great wilderness on Earth.

More than 50 countries are signatories to the Antarctic Treaty, obligating these nations to protect the Antarctic environment as a “natural reserve, devoted to peace and science”. Many of these countries have active research stations, and human impacts are present even in the most remote regions of the continent.

Free exhibition, all welcome to attend. 

This exhibition will open to the general public from 12 April – 2 May 2019 (9am-4pm, Mon-Fri excluding public holidays).