It’s Getting Hot In Here

On September 20 the Cape Farewell Youth Expedition 08 finished in Iqaluit, Nunavut in Northern Canada. For 13 days, 28 international secondary school students sailed around the Arctic with a team of artists, scientists and media crew. The 28 students were from all walks of life and were selected by the British Council of Canada to take part in this incredible journey. The majority of the students were from across Canada but the international contingent included students from India, Ireland, Germany, Scotland, England, Brazil and Mexico. Throughout these 2 weeks the team battled sea sickness, rough seas and worked day and night to learn about the science behind and witness the real life effects of Climate Change. The ship stopped at several places in Greenland and Northern Canada, including small Inuit villages and secluded fjords to witness a changing landscape and catch glimpses of the wildlife of the Arctic. Among the highlights were the Inuit, the stunning and unforgettable scenery, the art pieces in the arctic, and the polar bears. As the photographer on board it was inspiring to watch and photograph 28 strangers come together and emerge as friends with a new passion to fight Climate Change.

Now the students will return home, armed with knowledge, enthusiasm and an experience of a lifetime to spread the word about climate change in their school and their community. I encourage you to take a moment to read the blogs and watch the videos that these inspiring students have created. Check out the photographs from the voyage as well.

These new members of the International Youth Climate Movement are going to make a splash on the scene and we welcome all of them on board. Please take a moment to check it out and get inspired.

Yesterday at the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto, Canada, the Cape Farewell Youth Expedition 08 launched. This incredible trip begins September 7 when the students and staff leave from Iceland aboard the Academik Shokalskiy, a Russian research vessel, and travel to Greenland and Baffin Island in Northern Canada. Check out the blog and route map the videos that will be posted from this incredible group of individuals as they draw attention to Climate Change in the Arctic.

From the Cape Farewell Canada Website.

Cape Farewell’s sixth voyage, in September 2008, is the first to originate in Canada. Its expedition includes Canadian youth from high schools representing every province and territory in Canada, as well as a number of international youth.

In addition to the 16 students from Canada, there will be students from the United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Brazil, and India. Joining these 28 young students are 18 adult mentors, scientists, educators and staff. Moreover, the ship’s master and crew of 30, including a doctor, are active members of the expedition and highly experienced in Arctic voyages.