World News for Students of English

07-02-2025 15:00

An international treaty keeps Antarctica safe, but it may not last forever.

Scientists are studying pollution and climate change, but other research found something important – large amounts of oil under the Weddell Sea. There could be oil worth trillions of dollars, and many people worry that companies may want to drill there.

The Antarctic Treaty says that oil drilling is not allowed, but countries will check this rule again in 2048. Many countries claim parts of Antarctica, which could cause problems. At the same time, climate change, pollution, and overfishing are already hurting the continent. Some people believe the treaty is strong enough to protect Antarctica. Others are scared that money and politics will win there too.

Difficult words: treaty (a deal between countries), drill (to make a deep hole in the ground), claim (to formally say that something is true).

You can watch the original video in the Level 3 section.