Abu Dhabi: A 37-year-old mother of five will become the first Emirati woman to explore Antarctica as part of the annual 2041 Expedition founded by polar explorer and environmentalist Robert Swan.
The 2041 initiative seeks to raise awareness about preserving the Antarctic environment after the international treaty banning mining and drilling in the south polar region expires in 2041.
The concern led by Swan aims at reversing the effects of climate change and protecting Antarctica, its pristine environment and animals.
And protecting the environment is an issue very close to the heart of Dana Al Hammadi. "I am a mother, and I worry about what we are doing to the planet that we will one day leave to our children," she told Gulf News.
Dana, passionate about the environment and gravely concerned about climate change, heads to the frozen continent with a team of about 70 environmental enthusiasts from around the world, led by Briton Swan, who was conferred an OBE by his country in honour of his work towards the preservation of the environment and as an explorer.
First-hand knowledge
The group will explore first-hand the effects of climate change on the planet.
"I want to touch, see and feel for myself how climate change is impacting the environment so that I can truly motivate others to protect it.
"In the UAE, we have a severe shortage of water and one of the largest carbon footprints in the world, so we need to take serious action to conserve our resources for future generations," Dana said.
"I have heard from previous participants how life-changing the 2041 expeditions can be. Before this, I have tried to do my bit towards conservation, but now I want to know and understand more so that I can inspire others to do the same," she added.
Dana, who works as a programme manager in Abu Dhabi, regularly participates in beach clean-up initiatives and social voluntary programmes. Having met a member of last year's expedition to the South Pole, she decided to undertake this year's journey. "I am already concerned that my children cannot enjoy the cleaner, purer world I grew up in," she said.
Daily workouts
So she signed up for the journey, and Masdar and etisalat offered to sponsor her. "To prepare myself, I've been doing cardiovascular workouts daily for the past three months, and also going for brisk walks three times a day. I understand that living in such a cold climate will be challenging, but I am excited because I know that what I learn and understand will be worth the effort," Dana said.
Along with the rest of the expedition members, she will spend 20 days exploring the southernmost continent, which is also the Earth's last remaining wilderness. The team will also discuss climate change and its effects in daily evening workshops, as well as look out for rare wildlife species. When asked what her family thought of he joining the expedition, Dana said her husband and children were all very excited.
Is there enough awareness on global warming? Have you heard of similar initiatives?
