Which international treaty, signed in 1959, demilitarised the Antarctic continent and established it as a zone for scientific cooperation?

Correct Option

The correct option is The Antarctic Treaty.

Explanation

The Antarctic Treaty is the cornerstone of the Antarctic Treaty System. It was the first arms control agreement established during the Cold War, designed to ensure that the Antarctic continent remains a demilitarized zone dedicated exclusively to peace and scientific research.

Option Analysis

• The Antarctic Treaty The Antarctic Treaty: Correct. Signed on December 1, 1959, in Washington, D.C., and entering into force in 1961, this treaty applies to the area south of 60° South Latitude. It explicitly prohibits military bases, fortifications, maneuvers, and the testing of any type of weapons. It guarantees freedom of scientific investigation and cooperation.
• The Kyoto Protocol The Kyoto Protocol: Incorrect. This is an international treaty adopted in 1997 linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which commits state parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• The Paris Agreement The Paris Agreement: Incorrect. Adopted in 2015 at COP 21, this is a legally binding international treaty on climate change aimed at limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius.
• The Rio Pact The Rio Pact: Incorrect. Also known as the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (1947), this is a mutual defense treaty among American republics and is unrelated to the governance of Antarctica.

Key Takeaway: The Antarctic Treaty (1959) establishes Antarctica as a scientific preserve, ensures freedom of scientific investigation, and bans military activity on the continent.