Antarctic conservation blog archive

Mindy, Monday 12 July 2010

Temperature: -18°C
Wind Speed: 30 knots
Temp with wind chill: approximately -50°C
Moonrise: below horizon
Moonset: below horizon

We’re here for just about seven months all told, living in Antarctica at New Zealand’s Scott Base and working to conserve artefacts from Captain Scott’s Terra Nova expedition hut at Cape Evans. Ever wondered what effect all of this has on the Antarctic environment? You’ll be pleased to know that Antarctica New Zealand has a well-developed plan that directs our activities on ice, with a very clear aim to minimize the environmental impact of our presence here in the Antarctic.

So how does this translate into action? As it is winter, we don’t get out in the field much these days but there are many things we can do around base. Wind turbines are working away to generate energy and reduce our fossil fuel consumption but it still makes sense to turn off the lights when we leave the room. Showers are kept short to conserve water, and everyone makes proper use of the recycling system, developed to sort and prepare waste for return to New Zealand.

Disposing of food waste, separated for collection and transportation back to New Zealand © Antarctica New Zealand / Steven Sun

Waste water and sewage are processed properly in our on-base treatment plant. Energy efficient light bulbs are everywhere, including in the photographic set-up in our conservation lab. All these positive actions mean we’re doing our part to keep the Antarctic environment happy and healthy.

Nicola documents an artefact - the bulbs in our photographic lights are energy efficient © Antarctic Heritage Trust / M Bell

Posted in Antarctica, Environment, Scott Base

2 Responses to “Treading softly in the Antarctic”

1. July 12th, 2010 at 3:38 pm
   Sam says:
   

   In most museums where there are conservators working on old artefacts, it’s also possible for members of the public to visit. Do members of the public ever visit the hut where Scott’s Terra Nova expedition was based? Do tourists on cruises, for example, ever go there? Or are there any commercial flights to Antarctica for people who want to visit the huts? I realise numbers would be small, as it’s such an inaccessible continent, but does it happen?

2. July 13th, 2010 at 11:25 pm
   Jenny Bradshaw says:
   

   Visits to the huts of the early explorers certainly do occur - in total, approximately 2,500 visits are made to the huts each year. Visitors come from New Zealand’s Scott Base, the United States McMurdo Station and various cruise ships. There are no commercial flights. A memorable experience for all visitors.