How does the British Antarctic Survey ensure its research activities do not damage the Antarctic environment?
The general environmental policy of the British Antarctic Survey is to carry out a programme of first class science with the minimum of environmental impact. Concern for the environment has been translated from policy into real action in Antarctica through: • Development of a four-person Antarctic Environmental Office team by the British Antarctic Survey; • Routine removal of all hazardous waste and general rubbish from UK stations and ships for proper disposal outside of Antarctica; • Environmental assessment of all new scientific and building projects. Important environmental challenges for the British Antarctic Survey to address: • Completion of the refurbishment or clean-up of abandoned UK stations, including the total removal of some bases; • Development of continental scale environmental monitoring protocols; • Assessment of the cumulative impact of activities, particularly at major research stations and sites frequently visited by tourists Scientists and support staff from Briti
