Kids & Education
Helen : It was just brilliant stepping onto land for the first time on Half Moon Island in the South Shetland Islands . On the beach we saw chinstrap penguins and Antarctica fur seals — they were so close ! We moved down to the beach to find more seals just lying around , then headed up a small hill to observe the large chinstrap rockery at the top . When we looked closely , amongst the colony was a penguin with yellow hair on its head — our first sighting of a macaroni penguin . It truly was a life-changing time with such upclose and personal moments with the wildlife .
Did you feel reassured by Robert Swan ’ s presence ? How did he help you along the way ?
Helen : Having Robert Swan on this expedition with us was truly inspiring and educational . While on the Antarctic Peninsula , we saw icebergs of all shapes and sizes . Seeing the Larsen B Ice Shelf was a real eye-opener : When it broke off in 2002 , it was 3,250 km 2 of ice and 220 meters thick . We were looking at a section that was over 1.5 kilometers long , but we could see chunks of the Larsen B all around , showing just how much of it has already broken up . Robert pointed out that if people do not believe in climate change , all they need to do is to come and see this . “ It should not make us depressed but give us the positive energy to not stop sharing the climate message ,” he said .
Rebecca : Sir Robert Swan taught us many things . Perhaps most importantly , he encouraged us to be positive . No one will follow you if you broadcast a negative narrative . I don ’ t agree with people who say reversing climate change is too big of a problem . We tend to think that one person can ’ t make a difference , but you can do your part . It might be as small as putting that soda can in the bin . It does matter . As an individual , I cannot shape the world , or convince the world to stop climate change , but it is up to me — and all of us — to start . If we all pull together , we can be the pebble that starts the ripple .
Why is Antarctica so special ?
Helen : Antarctica is the last great wilderness on Earth . In Antarctica , the wildlife lives relatively peacefully , as it has for thousands of years . There is no permanent human interference , and those who do traverse the land and water there currently do so in a respectful way . The purpose is to leave as little impact as possible . Antarctica is the home of the wildlife there ; it is not ours .
Has the trip inspired you to change the way you live ?
Helen : The time spent in Antarctica made me appreciate nature all the more and reminded me not to take things
SAVING THE ENVIRONMENT : REBECCA ’ S FIVE Rs
REFUSE : On your morning run to Starbucks , take your reusable cup and forego the one they offer you . When at your local wet market , say no to their plastics and take your own containers .
REDUCE : Begin to buy products with less packaging . Remember to switch off your lights when you leave home and unplug your electronics .
REUSE : Instead of discarding unwanted clothes or tools , donate them . You ’ ll not only reduce waste — you ’ ll help others .
REPURPOSE : We all have stuff that that no longer serves any purpose around the house . Find new uses for these objects . For example , you can up-cycle an old ladder into a book shelf , or even turn used wine bottles into a chandelier !
RECYCLE : Every day , make an effort to sort newspapers and magazines , plastic containers and bottles , and assorted paper into your recycling . Encourage those around you to do the same .
for granted . I also better appreciate the people in my life and all the things I have . The trip made me realize how small we humans are in the vastness of nature .
As Robert and his son prepare to undertake the South Pole Energy Challenge — a 600 mile journey to the South Pole , surviving solely on renewable energy — in November 2017 , we must consider that if they can use renewable sources in such a hostile environment , then we can do something here in Thailand . By sharing our journey and photos , I hope others can learn about the last earthly frontier , and maybe even care about protecting it as much as Rebecca and I do .
Rebecca : We are all connected to Antarctica . You don ’ t have to go on an expedition to make a difference ; it ’ s the small steps that matter . As a school , we want to raise awareness and make changes so that we ourselves live more environmentally-sustainable lives . If children see their parents setting good example , they will be more likely to follow suit . It ’ s wonderful , too , if kids can set an example for their parents and show them how easy change can be . At our school , we have started using biodegradable plates for events , and another amazing initiative is to stop using straws . We all have a part to play , and we need to start now , before it ’ s too late .
WANDERLUST 41