50th Anniversary Commemoration of U.S. - New Zealand Cooperation on Antarctic Science

It is of great interest to me that such a cold, foreboding but dramatically beautiful place could bring out the best in people, many countries around the world, and our two countries in particular.  Let me cite just a few examples.

First, Sir Edmund Hillary, who honors all of us with his presence here today.  He is obviously well known for his courage, his vision and his stamina – all of which he has exhibited here on this continent.  But his exploration of Antarctica, as important as it was, did not end here.  He very importantly took home what he learned here and tried to make those who would never get here aware of its importance. Let me read you a quote from one biographer, Pat Booth:

“Through this worldwide travels in support of environmental causes, Hillary has come to epitomize the modern adventure who not only travels, but also defends, who not only sees for himself but also brings the message home to hundreds of missions more.”

“He is a man prepared not only to challenge nature with courage and determination but also to take up its case in an era in which Earth came under seemingly constant threat from its own inhabitants.”

Those of us who work to protect the environment try every day to make the average person aware of the challenges.  We have Sir Edmund Hillary to thank for making the job so much easier.

Antarctica has also brought out the best in many, many governments around the world.  Currently 26 countries are consultative party members of the Antarctic Treaty, first agreed to in 1959.  Another 17 nations have agreed to abide by the Treaty’s terms. This treaty truly should be regarded as one of the world’s most successful international agreements.  It calls for nations to use Antarctica for peaceful purposes only, allows free access for scientific investigation, and imposes affirmative obligations on parties to protect the environment.  Over the years, parties have worked to meet these conditions.  They have also honored the treaty’s words that world conflicts and discord be kept out of Antarctica. In 1973, U.S. President Richard Nixon said of the treaty:

“Science has provided a successful basis for international accord, and the Antarctic is the only continent where science serves as the principal expression of national policy and interest.”

Which brings me to my last example of a foreboding place bringing out the best in nations: the cooperative partnership between New Zealand and the United States in the area of Antarctic Science.  The partnership that we celebrate today. Our work together has been truly groundbreaking, not only for our two nations, but for all nations around the world.  There are many projects I could mention, but I will just highlight a couple of the most important:

The Andrill, or Antarctic Geological Drilling program.  The purpose of this program is to understand Antarctica geologically, going back some 17 million years, by drilling and recovering samples from the seafloor below the Antarctic ice shelf and sea ice.  The date recovered from this effort will be used to understand not only the patterns of warming and cooling in Antarctic itself, but also to predict how the Antarctic might react to future warming.  This information in turn can help us not only to protect the marine environment but to predict the global impact of climate change.

The Surface Ozone Measurement Project, this project measures surface ozone through instrumentation placed at the New Zealand Arrival Heights Base.  The date collected here forms part of the international effort to understand the global dynamics and chemistry of both surface and stratospheric ozone, a key in addressing so many issues related to both human health and the health of our environment.

These are truly groundbreaking examples.  And of course, they are only examples.  There are many more, including projects that will support the protection of marine mammals and the dry valleys of Antarctica. These stories from Antarctica are what I will take back from my time here.   And, in the spirit of Sir Edmund Hillary, I will tell that story to as many who want to listen. Thank You.