American journalist Evan Townsend has designed the True South flag for Antarctica to create a distinctive identity for the continent and encourage its protection by the rest of the Earth's inhabitants.
Designed while working as a steward at a polar research station, the True South flag features an icy white peak mirrored by a south-facing compass arrow.
According to Townsend, it is the first Antarctic flag to be supported by any National Antarctic Program, with six backing it, and the first to be widely used across the continent.
The True South flag features a triangular white peak and a blue compass arrow
The hope is that the flag will help to create a greater sense of community among the researchers and support workers who call the continent home for parts of the year while helping other people all over the world to feel a greater sense of duty towards this remote territory. "Antarctica doesn't have a permanent population, but it is one of the places that is most susceptible to the global climate crisis," Townsend told Dezeen.
"Most people don't have an opportunity to go there and there are no cultural ambassadors, no diplomats who are representing Antarctica. So I think a flag is a really important tool to be able to create a sense of connection between the general public and this continent that they have some responsibility for."
It is reportedly the first Antarctic flag to be flown widely across the continent
Antarctica is one of the fastest-warmi...