Hellooo fellow lovers of the polar regions!
Ever wondered about the impact of your research? How many people have read that ground breaking research of yours on climate change and are choosing to adopt a more sustainable way of life? Hopefully, lots! But what about your actual impact, and your carbon emissions - all those international flights to meetings and conferences, the endless number of cable ties used when deploying your kit at sea, and the countless plastic sample tubes? Perhaps a good way to inspire change is to lead by example and think about how to reduce the carbon footprint of your own research.
So how do you fancy taking part in a little challenge? For those attending the UK Antarctic Science conference in Norwich, have you thought about the most fun, healthy and sustainable way to get there? On your trusty bike! I will be cycling to the conference from my home in Basingstoke, and will be picking up some fellow oceanographers in Cambridge on the Sunday (July 3rd) on my way through. So join us! Or grab your friends and start your own cycle from your own home. There's no doubt it will be fun and involve a few scenic accidental detours in lovely British countryside! Or if you live in lands far far away, just think about the best way to get there, can you get a bus or train, or at least sort a car share.
Get in touch with me (A.Belcher@noc.soton.ac.uk), if you're keen to be part of the UK Antarctic conference cycling effort (UEA are very much behind this and want an idea of numbers - what better way to make a name for yourself in science ;) ).
Right, back to writing that thesis!
Anna
Anna Belcher
PhD Student
National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
A.Belcher@noc.soton.ac.uk
