Untouched world

Eric, a co-worker also on the Inspire Antarctica Expedition 2008, described Antarctica as a world created by Salvador Dali – absolutely surreal. Penguins look like mallard ducks dressed up in tuxedos, clumsily walking on the ice. When walking becomes too tiresome, they resort to swimming belly-first on slopes of snow. Seals scatter themselves across the shoreline, looking like an unusual, hybrid animal with a whale-like tail and puppy face.

Icebergs, like islands, pop out of the crystal clear water; small lily pads of ice float on the surface, creating patterns in the ocean. The actual continent contains no trees or greenery; instead, volcanic rock and snow create the most breathtaking hills and mountains ever seen. For the last week, I have had no human contact outside of the other 80 team members and 30 staff on our boat; we have been completely isolated, allowing us to connect with nature uninterrupted.

After spending a few days in this spectacular, mysterious continent, I can understand Robert Swan and the 2041 teams’ passion for Antarctica. It is the only place in the world untouched – and has the potential to remain pure for future generations. Seeing Antarctica firsthand helps the message of global warming and environmental consciousness to resonate. In a global sense, it is important to preserve Antarctica; in a local sense, it is important to take small, everyday steps to reduce our individual waste.