Q&A from Buenos Aires, Part 1 November 14, 2009

Thanks for all the questions.  Today, questions on the expedition.  Tomorrow, your questions on Antarctica and climate change.

First, following up on some media coverage mentioned earlier. The BBC online piece can be found here.  The Oxford Mail piece can be found here, which includes the result of the half-hour photo session wearing all of my gear indoors.

On to the questions:

Why is it called the International Antarctic Treaty Expedition?
The expedition marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Antarctic Treaty, in which nations agreed to make Antarctica a natural reserve, devoted to peace and science.  The agreement did not expressly prohibit mining and oil drilling in Antarctica; this did not happen until 1991, after much campaigning by environmental organizations.  We will be celebrating this protection of Earth’s last great wilderness while also drawing attention to the fact that it is not forever, and that Antarctica’s future is also threatened by climate change.

The expedition organizer is 2041.  What does 2041 refer to?
2041 is the year when mining rights to Antarctica can be renegotiated.  The organization 2041, founded by expedition leader Robert Swan, is working to protect the continent and emphasizes in its name that Antarctica’s future is still in doubt.  Young people today, including those we reach through the present expedition, will be the ones who determine Antarctica’s fate.

Where are the other members of the expedition from? What do they do?
The team is a diverse group of people from five continents and 15 countries:  students, businesspeople, scientists, journalists, and teachers.  Their experience will be shared with government, businesses, NGOs, students, and community groups around the world.

What exactly will you be doing in Antarctica?
My friend and colleague Cath Harris at Oxford’s Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment has written a great summary of the expedition here.

It says you may be sleeping under the stars in Antarctica.  How cold will it be?
Fortunately it’s spring in Antarctica at the moment, so it should be no colder than -15°C.  No problem, right?

Tomorrow:   your questions on Antarctica and climate change.