Journey to the end of the Earth (Tishani Doshi)

Antarctica is useful for studying the Earth because it holds clues to geological history and to the planet’s past, present and future. Its ice cores contain half-million-year-old carbon records, which help scientists study climate change, the ozone layer, carbon levels, and changes in temperature over time. The region also helps us understand big geological events like the breakup of Gondwana, the formation of the Himalayas, and the role of the circumpolar current in keeping Antarctica cold. So, studying Antarctica helps us understand how the Earth has changed and what may happen in the future.

Geoff Green includes high school students in the *Students on Ice* expedition because they are the future generation of policy-makers. At this age they are more ready to absorb, learn and act. He wanted to give them a life-changing experience that would help them develop respect for the planet and inspire them to think seriously about environmental issues and future action.