Notes from the field: Antarctica
David Noble and Aiden Abram of 2degreesC were invited to participate in a youth expedition to Antarctica from March 25-April 6. David participated as a member of the program design team, helping guide the setup and ongoing vision for the expedition. Aiden played a network facilitation role, connecting participants to one another and additional resources.
Lying under the stars, a cloudless night has delivered a special gift as I stare across the plane of the milky way and get lost in thoughts of impossibilities suddenly coming to life across the infinite of space. As an urban dweller, to have no air or light pollution masking your view of the night sky is breathtaking. Combine that with my present location being one of the most remote and hostile environments on the planet and your mind can begin to wander to incredible destinations.
Antarctica is the last great unspoiled wilderness on earth, protected by international treaty from exploitation. In principle, the world’s nations have left it aside in perpetuity for scientific endeavour. Yet the continent faces extraordinary threats, both now and into the future. At issue is the impact of human activity – globally (climate change) and on the continent proper. The presence of more than a dozen nations, undertaking scientific exploration masks more insidious intentions. Establishing a permanent presence in Antarctica with these bases underscores claims made by nations to the continent, which may come into play when the Antarctic Treaty is opened up for renegotiation in 2041. Combine that future with the threat of climate change causing massive environmental and ecological changes while opening up greater access to the continent and we are faced with the prospect of a 21st century gold rush – oil, minerals, water, wildlife – all open season.
It is the quest of Robert Swan and his aptly named organization 2041 to uphold the integrity of the original treaty, advocate for the continued preservation of Antarctica and to educate and inspire the world, through the influence of young people and corporations.
The expedition sought to expand the minds of participants, both through their immersion in Antarctica’s rugged beauty, and through a collaborative and emergent process of exploration and discovery
After a couple of initial preparation days in Ushuaia, Argentina, we made our crossing of the fabled Drake Passage, the most unforgiving waters in the world. Covering this stretch, we encountered a force 9 gale, rolling our ship considerably despite advanced stabilizers. Though most participants faced bouts of illness from the crossing, the expedition forged on as we worked together to map out the course of the remaining week together.
Upon arrival to Antarctica, we were greeted by four beautiful and uncharacteristically calm days to explore inlets, islands and the continent itself. A morning spent with humpback whales, a night of camping under a star-filled sky and an encounter with a massive colony of penguins were just some of the adventures experienced. The English language fails utterly to describe the beauty and immensity of the experience.
One thing that struck both of us was the humbling nature of being surrounded by so many passionate, intelligent and engaged people all working in their own ways on the issue of climate change. It was inspiring and invigorating to share such a close space with so many outstanding people.
Ultimately the program, aside from the creation of priceless memories, led to the initiation of many collaborative projects combating climate change and built our understanding of interrelated issues. It also clearly ignited much commitment to continue the fight for Antarctica’s protection in perpetuity. More than that though, the experience has left many, including both of us, with a renewed passion and determination. It has also opened up new ways of thinking about the world around us. Our appreciation has grown for the true extent of cooperation and dialogue required to succeed on such complex issues, and the exploration of the underlying reasons and processes for building sustainable solutions - internally, within organizations and across all of society.
To look up at the night sky and see the possibilities held by the universe has been both humbling and empowering. This life is ours to grab hold of and do all we can to preserve its beauty and to bring yet further beauty into existence. Antarctica will surely shape the activities of 2degreesC in the months and years to come.
For further information visit the expedition website
Thank you to John Luck for the stunning photographs.
At every turn astounding landscapes - impossible colours and sharp contrasts welcomed us. These stunning images don't do the views justice.
At every turn Antarctica combines incredible beauty with harsh reality
A Gentoo penguin welcomes the arrival of a zodiac from the Akademik Ioffe, the Russian research vessel which was our home for one week.
Flashlights illuminate the inside of the tents where we set up camp. There was no need for flashlights out in the night air, where a chorus of stars cast a pale glow over our surroundings.
