ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the implications of the Anthropocene for understanding Antarctica as an internationally regulated domain. It shows that the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) should be more active and vocal in global regime complexes where decisions are being made that will determine the fate of Antarctica in this new era. The polar regions face challenges that are different from this grouping of states and, notably, are not exposed to the existential threats which confront some low-lying small island states. Moreover, in the Antarctic context climate impacts do not involve direct effects on human wellbeing and livelihoods. The chapter argues for much closer integration of polar priorities within the operation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement where the global carbon budget is determined. As part of that process, the ATS has a clear interest in ensuring that the timeline for addressing climate change takes the impacts on the Antarctic environment into account.
