4 minute read
Antarctic Adventure
In March this year, Poppy Cross (NH 16) undertook a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula with the ‘2041 ClimateForce: Antarctica’ expedition, organised by Robert Swan OBE, polar explorer and UN Goodwill Ambassador for environment and youth.
172 extraordinary people, from over 35 nations, and some of the world’s top educational institutions and environmental organisations, came together to learn more about climate change and sustainability leadership. Poppy was selected from over 1,000 applicants worldwide and was one of the youngest to join the team.
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The aim of the expedition was to train and inspire the next generation of industry leaders to stop climate change in its tracks and protect the last great wilderness. We were keen to find out how she got on…
Poppy Cross (NH 16) with Robert Swan
Did life at Uppingham prepare you in any way for your Antarctic expedition?
It did. Uppingham taught me how to get on with people and present myself. There were so many interesting discussions and ideas on the trip, it was important to be able to listen and to contribute.
When did you become interested in the environment?
My family have always been ecoconscious and I am committed to making a difference, even if it’s just through raising awareness of environmental issues. Climate change isn’t just about the weather, it’s about health, food scarcity, water purity, population and migration. It is an issue for everyone.
How did you get involved with the Antarctic expedition?
I underwent a three-stage selection process. First, we had to prepare two personal statements, on ‘Leadership’ and ‘Personal Aptitudes’, followed by a formal interview. Once accepted, I had to secure funding of $16,000 which I raised through Crowdfunding and a donation from Uppingham’s Cadbury Travel Grant, which I am incredibly grateful for.
What was your most memorable experience from the trip?
Sitting in silence, surrounded by huge walls of ice, appreciating what a magical place the Antarctic is. I saw humpback whales, penguins, albatrosses, elephant seals and fur seals. It was a privilege to be surrounded by nature in such a wild habitat. Protected by The Antarctic Treaty, it is Earth’s only continent without a native human population. Visitors must leave no trace and are only permitted for peaceful endeavours and scientific research. It is unique.
Someone once asked me to describe Antarctica in three words and I struggled to find anything to accurately capture the awe-inspiring landscape or convey what it was like to actually be there. ‘Otherworldly’, ‘beautiful’, ‘vast’ immediately came to mind, although you could add a whole plethora of other words to describe the continent, none of which could ever capture its essence and atmosphere entirely.
The environment you were in must have been very challenging – how did you cope with the extreme temperatures?
I wore lots of thermal layers! It was cold but temperatures weren’t as low as they should have been, which was worrying in itself. Whilst I was there, the base logged a temperature of -11, when it should have been around -50. It was raining when it should have been snowing – a stark reminder that climate change is happening at an alarming rate.
Did your experience change you?
Yes, absolutely, it was life-changing. It gave me an understanding of life from a totally different perspective. A realisation that Antarctica’s ice sheet covers an area of almost 14 million km and holds 70% of the world’s fresh water. If climate change is not addressed, the global impact of sea level rise will be catastrophic for millions of people, wildlife and habitats. It is so important that we motivate ourselves to protect this last great wilderness right now.
What do you plan to do next?
I have a place at Liverpool University to study medicine. I am interested in examining the impact of climate change on global health and particularly the prevalence of zoonotic diseases (those which jump from animals to humans). There will be an increased need for climate doctors in the future, I really hope I can make a difference in this field.
