Trekkers,
I have heard the words "global climate change" exactly once the entire time I've been here in Antarctica. You would think that it would be a popular topic of conversation between the many scientists here on this continent.
The one time I heard the phrase "global climate change" was during a friendly discussion about the funding of the space program and the funding of societal needs and social programs. The comment, which was not debated by the 15 individuals engaged in the conversations, was, "The science community has known for nearly 40 years that we (industrial nations) have been influencing global climate change negatively. Yet, we haven't made any significant advancement toward correcting the problem..."
As I look back on the many conversations I have been a part of since my introduction to this continent, dedicated to science, there is no debate over "global climate change". There are no heated discussions as to whether or not humans have had an effect on the planet's climate. This is no longer a hypothesis. My understanding is that for most, if not all, of the scientific world planet Earth's climate is changing and a major cause of this change is due to our human interaction with the planet.
So what is all this polar science about?
I have seen scientists diving under ice sheets to record data about the changes occurring in marine ecosystems. Scientists are recording data about microorganisms found in glaciers or frozen lakes; data that will provide clues as to past changes and base line data for comparison to future data. I assisted a team dig two snow pits in the West Antarctica Ice Sheet that were 2-3 meters deep so they could measure the density of the annual snow layers and to take samples for the study of isotopes in the snow and ice. The CReSIS team I-189 that I am a part of is flying patterns over the West Antarctica Ice Sheet collecting data that will be used by scientists who are measuring the movement of ice sheets toward the oceans of the world. In turn this information will be used by other scientists to better model the rate of sea level rise on the planet. Much of this science is brand new. Robotic submarines, radars that can penetrate thousands of meters into the ice and, lab equipment that is constructed on the spot in remote field settings to record new data are just a few examples of these emerging fields of science.
For three years Polartrec teachers have witnessed amazing things?
I encourage you to read the archived journals of past Polartrec teachers. They have worked with scientists in the field. Descriptions and pictures fill their journals. They give a broad look at the world of polar science and how science is working to find answers to questions that arise from the fact that the Earth's climate is changing.
What questions do you have when I state, "The Earth's climate IS changing"?
What thoughts do you have about your world, country, or community?
Do the answers exist to all of your questions?
I would guess that when you take the time to think about it you have many questions, and I can guarantee that there are not answers to all your questions.
Merely the fact that you have the questions makes you a scientist. You have stepped into the world of scientific thought.
You have a choice now. In the New Year, 2010, what will you do to seek out the answers to your questions? If you are a student some of the answers you seek do not exist. Their discovery is years away. How will you prepare yourself to become an adult of society that seeks answers?
Trekkers, it is not enough to ask questions with no intent to look for the answers. You have the time and talents to be those who will find answers. You can be the scientific community of the future who can provide the leadership to not only find the answers to your questions but to help society take the actions that may be necessary to adapt to what may be the ramifications of "global climate change".
It is my proud pleasure to be a part of your education, future scientists,
This is Polartrec Teacher Gary Wesche from the Byrd Surface Camp, Antarctica.
Happy New Year