Exploring South Africa’s southern frontier: A 20-year vision for polar research through the South African National Antarctic Programme

Abstract

A pivotal role for South Africa in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean; Taken together, Antarctica and the Southern Ocean form a critical natural laboratory where international scientific investigation can infer the fundamental drivers of the entire earth system and of the near-earth space environment. Advancing our understanding is critical to better comprehend the region’s role in global ocean-atmospheric circulation, ecosystem adaptation and its impact on earth’s radiation balance. Research emanating from this region already offers conclusive and alarming evidence that the world’s climate is changing rapidly. The need to continue monitoring is critical.