The annual Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) will be hosted this year by Germany from May 23 to June 2. Please join the Wilson Center’s Polar Institute for a discussion, in advance of the 2022 Meeting, with the ATCM Chair and key heads of delegation to learn of their priorities for the Meeting and current issues in Antarctic relations.

Selected Quotes

Tania von Uslar-Gleichen: “It is Germany’s strong wish and aim to maintain the values of the Antarctic treaty system. And by hosting this conference, even in these difficult times, Germany wants to show its responsibility for the unique ecosystem in Antarctica.”

Ambassador Fausto Lopez Crozet: “There is one innovative element in this ATCM, particularly. We are going to meet in-person, but others will have the opportunity to attend this meeting virtually. One the one hand, we are helping curb our carbon footprint, but we also have the chance to add some value and good advice from our experts that are not traveling to the meeting but are attending the meeting.”

Adam McCarthy: “Antarctica really matters to Australia. We are very much committed to maintaining an influential role in international Antarctic affairs. With that in mind, we’ve just announced our Australian Antarctic Strategy and 20-year Action Plan, and it is historic in terms of our funding and resources for Antarctica. Our priorities will be maintaining Antarctica’s freedom, supporting the treaty system, conducting world-class scientific research, and protecting the Antarctic environment.”

Miriam Wolter: “I would like to highlight our special focus on the Emperor Penguin. It is a mascot for Antarctica itself, but it is also, sadly, a symbol for the effects of climate change. In the long-term, we would like to see this species be put under the Protocol on Environmental Protection. Of course, it will not be easy, but at least we can discuss it, present research and take some steps in the right direction.”

Birgit Njåstad: “Our discussions will revolve around (1) climate change; (2) human activities; and (3) increasing our knowledge or science base…Our main effort is to provide all parties with the best technical, environmental and scientific advice on matters that are relevant for governance discussions that treaty parties are having.”