Personal Journey
Antarctica Trek Focuses on Climate Change
View a slide show of more trip images .
Large icebergs exude a rich blue color. Grooves were formed by a combined effect from air bubbles while it was under water and solar energy when it was exposed to the sun.
For a fortnight in late March, I joined 50 students from around the world, including five other MIT students, on an expedition to the bottom of our planet. We were invited to Antarctica with the common interest in addressing perhaps the greatest challenge of our generation, climate change. And as I reflect upon my experience-watching blue icebergs calve off of slowly advancing glaciers, laying breathless as we camped beneath a dazzling night sky, or admiring the majestic tails of humpback whales as they dove from our world into theirs, I can't help but smile.
The journey began in early fall when BP Alternative Energy, an offshoot of the British oil giant, solicited applications-and received over 1,700-for an educational expedition to Antarctica. After a quick application process, that list was whittled down to 50 just in time for Christmas. Like most of the people on the trip, I was not clear on BP's intent. However, being as progressive as oil giants come, BP got involved in this trip through a partnership with polar explorer Robert Swan and his company, 2041, who have been running this type of youth leadership experience for several years. The participants were asked to carry an enthusiasm and determination to raise awareness on the issues of climate change back to their respective communities.
Heading for the Drake Passage
On March 23, our group, which included fellow grad students Mahriah Alf SM '08, Valerie Karplus SM '08, Lara Pierpoint SM '08, and Regina Clewlow, as well as Beth Turner '10, flew to Ushuaia, on the southern tip of Argentina, where we boarded a 100-yard-long Russian research vessel and crossed the infamous Drake Passage, south of Cape Horn. Waves punished our bow as we battled through 40-foot waves and 50 mph winds. But on the morning of the second day, the storm subsided and the ice-covered continent rose over the horizon. Our time in Antarctica began.
MIT students posing with Robert Swan (the head of the company that organized the trip, 2041). Back row, from left: David Bradwell, Mahriah Alf, Valerie Karplus. Front row, from left: Robert Swan, Lara Pierpoint, Regina Clewlow, Beth Turner. Photo: Andrew Cockerill.
There are a few things you should know about the ice-covered continent. First, it is the highest, driest, windiest, and coldest continent on this earth-a mostly barren land larger than the whole of Europe. Second, as you're probably aware, Antarctica has a lot of ice. A massive amount, actually. On average, the ice is a mile and a half thick, dwarfing the water held in both the northern polar ice cap and the Greenland glaciers. Lastly, Antarctica is more spectacular than most could ever imagine. Jagged cliffs pierce delicately sloping glacial caps, contrasted by a rich blue sky and ominously gray seas.
And the ice...oh the ice! You won't believe it until you see it, but the icebergs exude a rich blue color, forged over millennia beneath thousands of feet of snow. The shoreline is almost entirely made up of glacial cliffs, with a few rocky beaches that penguin colonies call their home, and temperatures hover around freezing during the warm summer months. Where penguins can be found, so too are lethargic fur seals that basked alongside them and primordial-looking leopard seals that prefer them as a meal rather than company. Whales also join the party to feast on the rich supply of krill, and dozens of species of birds flock to this land while the weather is temperate.
On the day we arrived in Antarctica, the sky cleared, exposing a spectacular mountain range, contrasted by a rich blue sky. We toured around in zodiacs to view icebergs and search for whales.
Amid this dramatic backdrop, we began our discussions. Aided by a dozen industry and academic experts, we learned from one another but were also humbled by the daunting task that lay ahead. I was involved in a group that discussed policies that could be considered in the upcoming Copenhagen summit that is set to replace the Kyoto protocol. An intriguing case study focused on how the international community rallied behind scientific evidence linking CFC emissions and the hole in the ozone layer. Swift action was taken, and since the Montreal protocol of 1987, CFC level have been in drastic decline and the ozone layer is now recovering. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a far greater challenge, but at least there is precedent for the international community to make significant measures to address a global issue.
Changing energy options
I view climate change as a long-term problem requiring a two-pronged approach. First, a price on carbon must be established. This could occur through a flat tax, action-based cap-and-trade, or even an export tax to allow developing countries to retain much of their economic growth. Second, we need to wean ourselves off of carbon by developing new technologies to replace conventional fossil-fuel-consuming practices. The 'fuel' powering wind turbines and solar panels is free, and modern wind turbines, located in the right places, are already cost competitive with coal. In 2008, biofuel from Brazilian sugar cane was less expensive than conventional gasoline. Given enough time and resources, we could see a natural shift toward alternative technologies and other technologies we can't yet fathom.
After just four short days in this stunning land, the ship was turned around and we headed back to civilization. But as I reflect upon my time in Antarctica, I can't help but smile. I do so not simply because of the spectacular scenery or the amazing people I met or the great ideas that were discussed, but because of the optimism I took away. Despite the hurdles we face as a global community, there is hope and precedent that we can address climate change and keep this world, and places like Antarctica, in their state of pristine beauty for generations to come.
View a slide show of more trip images .
About the author
David Bradwell MNG '06 is a grad student in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering.
Published April 16, 2009
