The importance of Antarctica: assessing the values ascribed to Antarctica by its researchers to aid effective climate change communication

• Published in: Polar journal Vol. 6; no. 2; pp. 291 - 306
• Main Authors: McLean, Lydia, Rock, Jenny
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 02.07.2016; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Antarctica; Ascription; Climate change; Communication; Congruence; Extraction; Humans; Mineral resources; Minerals; Public opinion; Researchers; science; Tourism; Values; Wilderness areas; Wildlife; Antarctica
• DOI: 10.1080/2154896X.2016.1241488
• ISSN: 2154-896X

It is useful to gauge the relative importance of different values that are placed on Antarctica, in order to advance the communication of Antarctic science as well as to facilitate decisions regarding the management of human activity, in particular surrounding climate change. This study investigates the values ascribed to Antarctica by its researchers with respect to those held by the general public. We surveyed 76 Antarctic researchers and then compared our findings with the compiled results of nine previously published studies that investigated public perceptions about the importance of Antarctica. We found that its researchers most frequently valued: the Antarctic's role as a component of the Earth's climate system, its role as a science laboratory for the benefit of mankind, its role as a pristine wilderness, and as an environment for wildlife. Fewer researchers placed value on its role as a key part of the history of human exploration, as a tourist destination, or as a source of mineral resources. In general, there was congruence between researchers and the public in the values they ascribed to Antarctica, and in particular, both acknowledged its value as a critical component of Earth's climate system. Our study suggests that the intrinsic values of Antarctica's wilderness and wildlife, above and beyond its instrumental values to science, tourism and future mineral extraction, is a solid working frame for future science communication based on shared values.