Vanishing polar ice worries explorer

Abu Dhabi: About three weeks ago, an Emirati mother-of-five set out on an expedition to the South Pole.

Dana Al Hammadi returned to the UAE on Sunday with an even greater passion to create awareness about climate change.

"I saw the ice break off the mountains and huge chunks of it drop into the sea. The waves were so huge and it felt like the sea level was rising noticeably just with a few chunks," Dana, 37, told Gulf News yesterday.

"I can't imagine how much sea levels must actually be rising with all the global warming taking place, and we need to change this immediately," she said.

Raising awareness

Dana was one of a team of about 70 people who went to Antarctica earlier this month as part of the annual 2041 expedition. Initiated by polar explorer and noted environmentalist Robert Swan, the annual 2041 trips seek to raise awareness about preserving Antarctica after the international treaty that bans mining and drilling in the South Pole expires in 2041.

Reflecting on her experience, Dana said that minimising climate change and its effects was especially important for future generations.

"I see the devastating tsunami and earthquake in Japan, and wonder if our actions make such natural disasters worse. As a mother, I strongly believe that it is our duty to preserve this God-gifted planet and its beauty for future generations," Dana said.

Renewable energy

She explained that during the trip, expedition members visited E-base, a research and educational centre pioneered by Robert Swan. The base is located in the South Pole and relies entirely on renewable energy with the aim of inspiring other communities to make the shift to clean energy.