Book review: Ice, Mice and Men: The Issues Facing Our Far South
by Geoff Simmons & Gareth Morgan Antarctica brings to mind
nature documentaries and penguins. Beautiful snowscapes and
adventure. Maybe even of science and scientists working in harsh
conditions. But what about its ecological and political
importance? Well, some climate change
deniers/contrarians/sceptics/cranks have lately turned their
attention to Antarctica in an attempt to “balance” the record
breaking summer ice loss in the Arctic. I guess that’s a start –
but what role do the Antarctic and the Southern Ocean really
play in climate change. What about its natural resources and
unique species? What are the governance issues – so many
countries are interested in the area and many have a presence?
And what does this all mean for New Zealand? The first figure in
this book (see below) shows our political and economic
territorial interests in this area and suggest why we should
perhaps pay more attention. Especially as the rest of the world
is. But