Abstract

This lecture addresses the question: “What is the purpose of Arctic exploration in the 21st Century?” It examines the nature of exploration and why people explore, before considering climate change in the Arctic, its consequences, and the role of exploration in addressing climate driven phenomena. The term ‘exploration’ conjures images of expeditions travelling to uncharted territories in heroic ventures of geographic conquest. The motivation behind exploration has long been a matter of debate, and modern science has subjected the psychology of expedition members to increasingly penetrating scrutiny. However, the Anthropocene Era brings not only a changing, and therefore new Arctic environment to explore; but a series of consequences for which exploration becomes not merely a matter of territorial acquisition or academic interest, but a means of mitigating existential risks to humanity.

Wednesday 29th May 2019 6:00pm (doors open 5:30)