Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 12/31/2007 - 14:31
Forums
South Pole Ozone Changes

Hi Ms. Bergholz,

 My name is Lauren Cooley and I am a senior at Marymount School of New York, and I have some questions about your research. I was wondering how you initially became interested in this line of work and what your motivation was when you decided to devote so much of your time to these environmental causes. I was also wondering what you propose to do once you do have all your research. Do you think there is a way any of the issues you are currently studying (i.e. ozone depletion, ice cap melting) can ever be ameliorated? What have you found to be the most pressing issue, or the issue which you believe requires the most immediate attention?

 Thanks and good luck!,

-Lauren 

Wed, 01/02/2008 - 10:59

Elke Bergholz

Dear Lauren,Thank you so much for your question. As far as I can remember,I was always interested in environmental issues. I grew up very close to nature on a farm in Germany and preservation of the environment was always a common issue to us. It was a natural "evolution" to make environmental concerns part of my life. So, I choose to study Marine and Fishery biology to stay closer to oceans and their environmental issues. What better way to contribute then to make the preservation of the environment a professional goal. When I started to teach high school, it was only natural that I continued my advocacy to preserve the environment. I also continued to look for ways to enhance my own education constantly, including how to study the atmospheric gases. That is what I proposed in 1998 for my first trip to Antarctica. When I complete my stay here now, I can compare the data from 1999 to those of 2007/08. This will help me to be up-to date in current data collection and I can be a better advocate for polar issues. Yes, I believe that ozone depletion and the ice cap melting issues can improve. For instance, with the Montreal Protocol we were able to ban the CFC's. After many years of knowing about the cause of the ozone hole, we finally were able to finalize the protocol in 1987. If I would not believe that we can make changes again, I would not be here. I see myself as an advocate of the polar environment and our environment in general. I will try to help people, such as my students to make adjustments in their lives: to be more aware, educated,and caring about their immediate environment. In my opinion ,the most pressed issue is to have legislations for emission control in our country. We must act instantly. All the best to you, Elke Bergholz