Team members say

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.

Three airports, one ticket change and a few vertical-sitting naps later, I arrived at the Hotel Del Glacier to be a part of a diverse group of environmentalists, students, teachers, artists and professionals, whom would be venturing to the remote wilderness of Antarctica. Our first few days consisted of many introductory conversations (i.e., “Hi, I am Tamara with Oliver Wyman.”) and a beautiful climb up the glacier mountain, where I quickly realized that perhaps I should have continued exercising post-college.

During one of our first lectures, Annie, the CEO of 2041, spoke about her love for the continent of Antarctica. While listening, I grasped onto the concept that Antarctica is the only continent in the world with no native population, where Mother Nature rules rather than a president or king. Correspondingly, as our ship began to sail away from the coast of Argentina, I read the large banners on the dock stating, “You are leaving the end of the world.” Although I have always considered the world, earth and globe as one, interchangeable entity, I realized that Antarctica, although within our earth, is actually a world of its own, with different rules, landscapes and beauty. By being taken out of my world for two weeks and placed in the unique land of Antarctica, I hope to come back rejuvenated and with a different viewpoint on life.

After two days time, several Dramamine tablets and a few creative ways to pass the time (i.e., reenactments of scenes from the Titanic and a miniature golf tournament), we finally spotted land. The ship sailed past an iceberg and several whales this morning, giving sign that we were close to the coast of Antarctica. As my jaw dropped and index finger rapidly pressed on the shoot button of my camera, I knew that I was at just the beginning of an extraordinary adventure.

Tamara’s initial thoughts on climate change…

As a consultant within the aviation industry, I have the unique opportunity to promote environmental awareness to executives and create implementable “green” solutions for airlines.
In my personal life, I can take additional measures/steps protect the environment and also encourage such practices in my home office.