Doing science in Antarctica has harmed an environment under great pressure. Here's how we can do better

The Argentine research station, Base Primavera, on the Antarctic Peninsula. Shaun Brooks

Scientific research in Antarctica has played a key role in many important discoveries of the past century. But it has also come at a considerable cost to the environment.

Science in Antarctica is typically based at one of the 77 research stations. While their role is to support science, their isolation means they need to provide the infrastructure of a town.