39-Nation Meeting on Antarctica Opens Today in France
A dispute over the future of Antarctica, pitting countries newly converted to environmentalism against the United States and others, is expected to dominate a 39-nation meeting that opens here today.
At stake is whether the vast continent will be left in pristine splendor or mined for mineral wealth.
Among the issues to be considered during the biennial review of the 1959 Antarctica Treaty will be the disposal of hazardous wastes and controlling the wave of tourists visiting the continent.
The issue of Antarctica is being affected by a profound political shift that has far-reaching implications, diplomats say.
It pits governments such as Australia and France, whose policies have changed to reflect growing public concern for the environment, against others such as the United States and Japan.
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