The weather patterns and environmental changes that take place in Antarctica are often a strong indicator of climate change globally. It is important for citizens and scientists alike to take note of the climatic developments of the earth's southern pole. In an effort to raise awareness and interest in Antarctic climate and global warming, Green Cross International and its national affiliates Green Cross Argentina, France and Global Green USA have taken an active role in Sebastian Copeland's public awareness campaign "Antarctica:The Global Warning", the focal point of the campaign has been the production of a photography book by Mr. Copeland, which contains stunning landscapes of the continent. The publication also contains a call to action including a foreword by GCI Chairman Mikhail Gorbachev and an introduction by Leonardo DiCaprio.
If you wish to buy "Antarctica:The Global Warning" : www.globalgreen.orgForeword by Mikhail Gorbachev
"In January 1991, I received a message from Jacques-Yves Cousteau who was sailing to Antarctica for a scientific mission and public awareness campaign designed to protect the white continent for future generations and to create a World Peace Park in Antarctica. At the time, certain groups wanted to exploit the hypothetical underground mineral resources of the Antarctic. A Convention had been negotiated between parties of the Antarctica Treaty that would guarantee a fair and clean exploitation. Captain Cousteau, who along with many NGOs was aware of the risk of accidents and their potentially drastic consequences for such a fragile and unique environment, proposed to replace the unenforceable Convention with a protocol aimed at to truly protecting the environment. In 1992, this Protocol was adopted in Madrid and Antarctica was declared “Land of Science, Land of Peace” and protected for 50 years. It was a wise decision taken by politicians, heeding the call of millions of citizens around the world.
Nevertheless, today, Antarctica is once again threatened: this time not by oil or coal exploitation, but by global warming. The impact of climate change is most apparent in the Antarctic, where global warming has driven significant changes in the physical and living environment, causing ice to melt faster than anywhere else in the world. Antarctic surveys have clarified several key issues in the field of the science of climate change and unveiled the clearest link between greenhouse gases levels in the atmosphere and surface temperatures. If all the ice captured in Antarctica were to melt, sea level would rise by a terrifying 60 meters.
Climate change is happening now and will remain with us for a long time to come. As a result, in the past decade, the number of floods, hurricanes, tropical storms and other natural disasters has quadrupled in comparison with the 1960s. Scientists have already calculated that - if the carbon gas concentration continues to grow at current rates - during the course of the present century the average temperature of the earth will rise by between 1.1 and 6.4 degrees Celsius. It is time to act to avoid the clearly forecast global climatic catastrophe: now is the time to develop efficient solutions on a local, national, and global level.
More than an indicator of the effects of human activity on global warming, I truly believe that Antarctica should become a powerful symbol to raise awareness of the urgent need to save our planet while there is still time.
It is in this essence of hopefulness that Antarctica: The Global Warming came into life. It depicts the ephemeral and austere beauty of Antarctica through stunning photographs of the largest remaining wilderness on Earth. But, while Antarctica appears to be the last unspoiled place on earth, its balance is being systematically endangered by rising temperatures caused by greenhouse gases emitted thousands of miles away.
I hope from the heart that this book will inspire you to further explore the issues surrounding climate change and its impact at the farthest reaches of our planet."
Mikhail Gorbachev
Founding President
Green Cross International
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