Why in the News?

Donald Trump imposed a 10% tariff on imports from the Heard and McDonald Islands, despite no human presence there for nearly a decade.

About the Heard and McDonald Islands

The Heard and McDonald Islands are located in the Southern Ocean, approximately 4,100 km south-west of Perth, Australia, and 1,600 km to the north of the Antarctic coast.
The islands are unincorporated external territories of Australia, meaning they are not part of any Australian state but are directly administered by the Australian government.
The islands are home to seals, penguins, and albatrosses, and serve as crucial breeding grounds for these species.
The islands have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their ecological significance, particularly their rich biodiversity.
Heard Island:
- Heard Island spans an area of approximately 368 square kilometers.
- The island’s highest point is Mawson Peak, an active volcano standing 2,745 meters (9,006 feet) above sea level.
- Mawson Peak is one of the most active volcanoes in the southern hemisphere, with eruptions as recent as 2016.
McDonald Islands:
- It is much smaller, covering only 2.5 square kilometers.
- Geological Nature: These islands are volcanic and part of the same volcanic chain as Heard Island.
- Climate
- Both islands experience an extremely cold subantarctic climate, with heavy winds, snow, and ice for much of the year.
- Temperatures rarely exceed 5°C (41°F) even in summer.

The islands are strategically located between Australia and Antarctica, important for monitoring the Southern Ocean, vital for global biodiversity and climate studies.
They play a key role in scientific research, particularly in volcanology, glaciology, and climate change, with Australia operating a research station on Heard Island.
The islands are protected under the Antarctic Treaty System, ensuring no military activity or commercial exploitation in the region.
Rich in marine resources, the surrounding waters are also safeguarded to prevent overfishing and environmental harm.
Their geopolitical importance grows as international competition and territorial claims around Antarctica and the Southern Ocean increase.