Essential research

I was privileged this month to view ancient ice core samples, from the depths of the Antarctic, on the Italian Research Vessel, the Laura Bassi.

The research is part of Beyond Epica, an international project which aims to drill ice cores up to 1.5 million years ago, revealing the Earth’s climate and environmental history.

Ice cores allow researchers to understand more about the planet’s past to help predict the future.

Our tour of the Laura Bassi was a fitting end to the Antarctic Season, a crucial period from October to February each year when scientists can conduct research on the continent.

Christchurch is one of the world’s five Antarctic Gateway cities, and the Christchurch Antarctic Office works to co-ordinate opportunities that this status brings, including collaboration with the other international Antarctic programmes.

There’s a remarkable level of teamwork and mutual respect between the programmes, driven by a shared commitment to environmental conservation.
Antarctica is, in essence, a laboratory and Beyond Epica is an example of how vital collaboration is, both scientifically and logistically, in these extreme and unique conditions.

As critical research continues, a strong focus is on improving the impact, while reducing the environmental footprint.

As a gateway city that is home to a strong innovation eco-system, we have a big opportunity to take the lead in developing tools and technologies for contactless engagements with remote environments that would benefit Antarctica and the rest of the world.