Antarctic sea ice in dramatic decline since 2014

When it comes to sea ice, the focus is often on the decline in the Arctic. But a new scientific report shows that the Antarctic sea ice has shrunk massively since 2014. In fact, the "average annual extent means Antarctica lost as much sea…

Vernissage photo exhibition ORBN building Brussels

I was delighted to welcome EU colleagues to the vernissage of my latest photo exhibition on 21st June. And a big thank you to Priscila Fernández-Canãdas, Director Directorate I - Innovative Administration, for opening the event. The exhibition…

Photo exhibition open to all EU institution colleagues

If you work for the EU institutions and you'd like to immerse yourself in the Antarctic atmosphere, photos of my journeys to the White Continent are currently being exhibited at the ORBN cafeteria. The exhibition runs throughout the summer…
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The Last Great Exploration Campaign on Earth

In this post, we're inviting you to discover a research initiative that isn't directly about Antarctica. It's the Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance (AORA). Launched in 2013, AORA is a cooperative effort between the European Union, Canada and…
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Beyond EPICA

The European Beyond EPICA - Oldest Ice Core project started officially on 1st June. Its aim is to to drill for ice up to 1.5 million years old. This will give scientists unparalleled information on the history of Earth's climate. In turn, this…

5th June: World Environment Day – the air we breathe

Australia's Antarctic Program posted this video to mark World Environment Day 2019. Scientists in Antarctica are investigating how far Earth's atmosphere can clean itself. A vital question about the air we all breathe. Watch the video…
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Polar Medal winner, Catrin Thomas, spends 17 summers in Antarctica

Few people have as many Antarctic stories as British mountaineer, Catrin Thomas. She has worked as a field guide for the British Antarctic Survey for 17 seasons. And now, she has been awarded the UK's Polar Medal. The medal was originally given…

Video: sneaking up on sleeping whales

Take a look at this news report that captures the challenges of trying to tag sleeping whales, so scientists can understand how to better protect them. It's not easy to sneak up on a whale! But this is a serious endeavour as the interviewees…
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West Antarctic ice sheet thinning dramatically

Scientists have known for some time that the West Antarctic ice sheet is thinning. But new research from the University of Leeds, UK, and based on European Space Agency satellite data has revealed that the ice loss is much greater and faster…
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Penguin poop – biodiversity friend or foe?

Penguin poop makes a good home for other living organisms, says new research in the Antarctic. Millions of invertebrates have been found thriving on piles of penguin droppings. But will this rich source of nutrients allow invasive species to…