Journey to the End of the Earth

Study Notes

Journey to the End of the Earth

The author traveled to Antarctica on the Russian research vessel, Akademic Shokalskiy, to participate in the 'Students on Ice' expedition.
She traveled from Madras to Antarctica, passing through nine time zones, six checkpoints, three bodies of water, and multiple ecospheres.
The journey was over 100 hours long, involving travel by car, airplane, and ship.
Upon reaching Antarctica, the author felt a sense of relief at seeing the vast, white landscape and uninterrupted blue horizon.
She was amazed by the continent's vast size, isolation, and unique environmental conditions.
Antarctica, currently the coldest, driest, and windiest continent, was once part of the same landmass as India.
The continent stores approximately 90% of the Earth's total ice volume and has a very simple ecosystem.
Antarctica is characterized by total silence, with no human markers present.
Due to global warming, the continent's ice is melting at an alarming rate.
Geoff Green, the founder and executive director of 'Students on Ice,' took high school students from around the world to Antarctica.
Green believed that students of today will become the policymakers of tomorrow.
He aimed to provide students with an educational opportunity that fostered a deeper understanding and respect for our planet.
The 'Students on Ice' program aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of global warming by taking high school students to Antarctica.
The program aimed to help students develop a new understanding and respect for our planet, influencing their future policy decisions.
'Students on Ice' was successful due to its inspiring educational opportunities that helped students see the world from a new perspective and develop a deeper respect for the planet.