Introduction;
In her latest book, The Quickening, Pulitzer Prize finalist Elizabeth Rush embarks on a remarkable journey to one of the most critical—and least-explored—places on Earth(Antarctica’s Doomsday Glacier).
Exploring Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier: A Unique Expedition
In 2019, a team of 57 scientists and crew members embarked on a 54-day mission to one of the most remote and significant locations on Earth—Antarctica‘s Thwaites Glacier. This enormous glacier, roughly the size of Britain, is rapidly melting and is infamously known as the world’s “doomsday glacier” due to its alarming rate of ice loss. Thwaites Glacier is currently melting eight times faster than it was in the 1990s, contributing to a staggering 80 billion tonnes of ice entering the ocean annually, which accounts for 4% of the global sea level rise each year.
The Importance of Thwaites Glacier in the Fight Against Climate Change
Thwaites Glacier is considered one of the most critical areas in the battle against climate change. If it were to melt completely, global sea levels could rise by over 10 feet, leading to catastrophic implications worldwide. This immense glacier is not only a symbol of the fragility of our planet but also serves as a crucial indicator of the effects of global warming. The potential collapse of Thwaites Glacier could trigger a chain reaction, significantly accelerating the rise in sea levels and affecting millions of people living in coastal areas.
A Glimmer of Hope: New Research on Thwaites Glacier
Despite the dire predictions surrounding Thwaites Glacier, a recent study provides a somewhat more optimistic outlook. The research suggests that the glacier may not be collapsing as quickly as previously feared. Rather than disintegrating in a dramatic, domino-like fashion, the glacier’s ice cliffs may be collapsing at a slower rate. However, the study still emphasizes that Thwaites Glacier is rapidly retreating, and the situation remains critical. Polar scientist Mathieu Morlighem, who led the study, described it as “a disaster in slow motion,” highlighting the ongoing threat posed by the glacier’s retreat.
Elizabeth Rush: Chronicling a Historic Journey
Among those who participated in the 2019 expedition to Thwaites Glacier was Elizabeth Rush, an accomplished author whose book Rising was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Her latest book, The Quickening, documents this once-in-a-lifetime voyage to the glacier’s calving edge, a remote and frigid location that had never before been visited by humans.
Rush’s journey to Thwaites Glacier not only deepened her understanding of climate change but also raised important ethical questions about visiting some of the most fragile ecosystems on Earth. Her experiences on this expedition offer a unique perspective on the challenges and responsibilities of exploring such remote and vulnerable areas.
The Challenges of Exploring Thwaites Glacier
Thwaites Glacier is located in one of the most enigmatic and isolated regions of Antarctica—the far reaches of the Amundsen Sea. The journey to the glacier involved a four-day voyage from the nearest research base, highlighting the remoteness and difficulty of reaching this critical location. Rush was selected to join the expedition through the Antarctic Artists & Writers Program, a prestigious initiative that supports creative individuals who seek to document and raise awareness about the continent’s unique environment.
Rush’s inclusion in the expedition was largely due to her proposal to create a narrative that would incorporate the voices of the scientists and crew members working on the glacier. Her goal was to challenge the traditional narratives of Antarctic exploration, which often focus on tales of human conquest and survival. Instead, Rush aimed to tell a more inclusive and democratic story that highlights the diverse experiences of all those involved in the expedition.
The Global Impact of Rising Sea Levels in Antarctica’s Doomsday Glacier
One of the most pressing questions surrounding Thwaites Glacier is the potential impact of a significant rise in sea levels. If sea levels were to rise by 10 feet or more, the consequences would be devastating. However, the timeline over which this rise occurs is crucial. A rise of 10 feet over 200 years would have vastly different implications than a rise of 10 feet over 40 years.
Rush is an advocate for “managed retreat,” a strategy that involves relocating communities from flood-prone areas before disaster strikes. This proactive approach has already been implemented in places like Staten Island, New York, where the state purchased and demolished over 500 homes in vulnerable areas, allowing residents to relocate to safer locations. Managed retreat, when done correctly, can help mitigate the effects of sea level rise without fracturing communities.
Redefining the Narratives of Antarctic Exploration
In her book, Rush sought to redefine how we think about Antarctic exploration by including the perspectives of those who are often overlooked in such narratives. For instance, she interviewed a cook named Jack, who joined the expedition to support his family financially. Jack had never been on a plane or a ship before, let alone seen penguins or considered the implications of sea level rise. Yet, witnessing Thwaites Glacier firsthand gave him a profound understanding of the impact of climate change.
This experience underscores the importance of including diverse voices in discussions about climate change and environmental protection. By broadening the narrative to include the experiences of individuals like Jack, Rush challenges the traditional stories of heroism and conquest that have long dominated Antarctic exploration.
The Ethical Dilemma of Visiting Fragile Ecosystems in Antarctica’s Doomsday Glacier
Rush’s journey to Thwaites Glacier also raises important ethical questions about the impact of human activity on fragile ecosystems. While some argue that such places should be left untouched, others believe that witnessing their fragility firsthand can inspire greater efforts to protect them. Rush acknowledges the tension between these perspectives, ultimately deciding that her visit to Antarctica was justified by the deeper purpose of her work.
However, she is clear in her belief that casual tourism to these remote and vulnerable areas should be discouraged. The unique and pristine nature of places like Antarctica demands a level of respect and responsibility that goes beyond mere sightseeing. Rush advocates for focusing on the natural wonders closer to home, where people can cultivate a sense of wonder and responsibility without contributing to the degradation of fragile ecosystems.
Conclusion: The Future of Climate Change Awareness
Elizabeth Rush’s journey to Thwaites Glacier serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of our planet’s ecosystems and the urgent need for action on climate change. Her experiences highlight the importance of including diverse voices in environmental narratives and the ethical responsibilities we have when exploring and documenting the world’s most fragile places.
As Rush continues to reflect on her experiences in Antarctica, she remains committed to raising awareness about the impact of climate change and the need for meaningful action. Her work serves as both a call to action and a testament to the power of storytelling in shaping our understanding of the world and our place in it.
