An uninterrupted thread of discovery, triumph, and mystery—tempered by disaster, exploitation, and misery—courses through humanity’s interaction with Antarctica. The relationship is riven with conflict, and heroic interventions are often required: reminiscing about unimaginable suffering and bleak prospects, geologist and explorer Raymond Priestley once said “… get down on your knees and pray for Shackleton”. Now, even though Shackleton continues to inspire, the situation is largely reversed. Rather than humans seeking salvation from Antarctica’s harsh caress, it is Antarctica that must seek protection from humanity.

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