Next month, The Antarctic season opens with the Days of Ice celebration.
The events surrounding this remind us of the profound significance of Antarctic science and the pivotal role that Christchurch plays as a gateway city.
Alison Adams, CEO ChristchurchNZ
Ōtautahi proudly holds the distinction of being one of the world’s five Antarctic Gateways. Our strategic proximity to the Ross Sea area positions us as a bustling epicentre for Antarctic research and activities. Recent Science conferences hit home the impact we are having on this fragile environment, with a substantial reduction in sea ice levels not witnessed in the past four decades and temperatures soaring 35-40°C above averages. The recent SCAR (Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research) Symposium held in Christchurch united scientists who urged nations to surpass greenhouse gas emissions reduction commitments.
The experts assert that confronting this crisis remains feasible, but the dwindling sea ice is a reminder of the crucial need to combat climate change. The importance of retaining hope cannot be underestimated. While the call for urgent action remains pressing, hope persists. Within our city, a host of remarkable businesses and organisations quietly pursue extraordinary endeavours.
The Airport is leading the decarbonisation of the aviation sector in partnership with the hydrogen consortium, and our Christchurch Antarctic Office connects the research and business communities, focusing their efforts on innovative approaches to mitigate the environmental consequences of conducting research on this vulnerable continent.
