The Antarctic Wilderness: Can We Save it from Destruction?

(added 4th Nov 2015) Carbon Brief reports on ‘Is the Antarctica gaining or losing ice‘ – based on data to 2008 and (added 19th Nov 2015) ‘Melting Antarctic ice sheets could add up to 30cm to sea levels by 2100‘ “The results suggest a most likely contribution from Antarctic glaciers to sea levels of 10cm by 2100, up to a maximum of 30cm.”

The talk in Sept 2015 discussed the ‘Antarctica Renewal of International Protocol 2041’ and the work of the 2041 organisation to ensure that the moratorium that protects the Antarctic continues past this date.

Charlie Drew is a young North Londoner who is to start his degree at Durham at the end of September. He has been involved in an inspiring project in the Antarctic.

2041 was founded by well-known polar explorer and environmental leader  Robert Swan, OBE, the first person in history to walk to both the North and South Poles. Swan has dedicated his life to the preservation of Antarctica by the promotion of recycling, renewable energy and sustainability to combat the effects of climate change.

Renewable E Base in Antarctica

Ice Breakup in Antarctica

Swan took a group of young people there this year, aiming to engage and inspire the next generation of of leaders to take responsibility for promoting government policies on recycling, renewable energy and sustainability. In particular he seeks to raise awareness that the international moratorium on mining in Antarctica is due for renewal in 2041.

Charlie talked about his amazing trip to the Antarctic, showed stunning images and detailed some of the politics and key issues that will affect Antarctica in the years before the treaty’s expiration.