Driving the news. This week, the Italian government presented a comprehensive analysis to Parliament outlining its global engagement in 2024 and setting the stage for 2025.
- Italy’s role as host of the ATCM is central to these plans, which will serve as a critical platform for Antarctic governance, environmental protection, and scientific cooperation.
- The meeting will take place from 23 June to 3 July 2025 at the Fiera Milano Congressi Convention Centre (MI.CO.), the largest convention venue in Italy, located in a central area of Milan.
- It will coincide with the United Nations Decade on the Cryosphere launch.
Why it matters. The ATCM is a pivotal meeting in the framework of Antarctic governance.
- It is crucial for environmental protection and scientific collaboration in Antarctica.
- By hosting the conference, Italy reaffirms its commitment to polar research and underscores its determination to tackle climate change globally.
Italy’s Antarctic footprint. Since 1985, Italy has been actively engaged in Antarctic research under the National Antarctic Research Program (PNRA), funded by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR).
- The National Research Council (CNR) coordinates key projects that address global challenges such as climate change.
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA) manages logistical operations at Italy’s Antarctic bases, ensuring efficient support for field research.
- The National Institute of Oceanography and Experimental Geophysics (OGS) operates the icebreaker Laura Bassito facilitate vital marine studies.
Ongoing research. Italian Antarctic missions are integral to tracking climate change and enhancing global environmental models.
- Research spans climatology, seismology, geodesy, and geomagnetism, alongside upper atmosphere and space weather studies.
- The 40th Italian Antarctic Expedition, from November 2024 to mid-February 2025, involved 140 researchers at the Mario Zucchelli Station, located at Terra Nova Bay.
- From mid-February, a winter-over team at Concordia Station—co-managed with France—ensures year-round scientific continuity under extreme conditions.
Antarctic geopolitical gambit. While the 1959 Antarctic Treaty designates the continent as a zone for peaceful scientific research, territorial claims remain frozen among seven nations.
- Countries such as Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom maintain their historical claims.
- In contrast, China and Russia are leveraging their Antarctic presence not solely for science but to further their broader geopolitical ambitions.
What’s next. The intersection of scientific collaboration and geopolitical interests makes Antarctica increasingly significant.
- By hosting the 2025 ATCM, Italy will showcase its leadership in Antarctic research and foster global cooperation on cryosphere science, climate change mitigation, and biodiversity conservation.
- The event offers Italy an opportunity to elevate its role as a global polar research hub, reinforcing its commitment to international environmental and scientific agendas.
(Photo: Mario Zucchelli Station, Francisco Ardini / ©PNRA)
