Waking the Ice Giant

Story

25 September 2024

Understanding Antarctica's rapid environmental changes is vital for Earth's future. An injection of $1.2 million into the Faculty of Science, with earmarked funds for Antarctic Studies, will galvanise researchers' ability to make more accurate predictions about the frozen continent.

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Antarctica – a frozen continent larger than Australia virtually untouched by human habitation. A region storing 90 per cent of the world’s surface freshwater, with icy seas and vast frozen landscapes that determine Earth’s weather and ocean currents.

“Antarctica was long regarded as the sleeping giant in the South, but now we are witnessing this giant’s awakening,” says UC Gateway Antarctica Director Professor Wolfgang Rack. Part of UC’s School of Earth and Environment in the Faculty of Science, Gateway Antarctica is a research centre dedicated to Antarctic studies, from climate and ecosystems to geopolitics and international law.

“Antarctica and its surrounding oceans are one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, and it also currently absorbs human-generated carbon emissions and warmth to offset climate change,” adds Associate Professor Daniela Liggett from UC’s School of Earth and Environment.

Christchurch is one of only a few cities in the world with the designation of being a ‘Gateway to Antarctica’. Along with New Zealand’s national Antarctic programme, the US, China, and many other countries use the city as a launchpad for expeditions. This gives Ōtautahi the rare status of being a convergence point for some of the best minds in Antarctic research. Recently, an anonymous donation of $1.2 million was made towards UC’s Faculty of Science, a portion of which is earmarked for Antarctic studies.

“This donation will make a difference for the new generation in Antarctic science and research,” says Associate Professor Liggett.

It’s vital to have more researchers established in the field of Antarctic studies because of the continent’s importance in world climate and ecosystems. Worldwide, 3 billion people rely on the fisheries industry for a living. Warming ocean temperatures, melting ice sheets, and ocean acidification from increased carbon absorption are now disrupting the delicate processes that feed this vital industry.

Associate Professor Daniela Liggett's research focuses on Antarctic geopolitics and tourism.

"We know that the environment is changing, but how fast is it changing? How long before it has an impact on us? We need better predictions so we can plan."

Professor Wolfgang Rack

“We know that the environment is changing, but how fast is it changing?” asks Professor Rack. “How long before it has an impact on us? We need better predictions so we can plan.”

Along with producing vital research, Gateway Antarctica also has strong links to decision makers, ensuring that their research will have real world impact.

“In adverse conditions, Kiwis are up for the challenge,” say the donors. “Science is about facts and through our gift, we wish to hand the microphone to the scientists and support personnel doing the important work on the ground. By being there and performing well, our people have a more solid platform to speak from on behalf of the Antarctic.”

Sarah Young, Amo Matua Pūtaiao | Executive Dean Science emphasises the impact of this gift.

“A contribution of $1.2 million to science at UC is truly transformative, allowing us to empower the brightest minds who are at the crux of important discoveries. We’re particularly thrilled by the allocation of funds for Gateway Antarctica, as it will enable us to nurture emerging researchers in the field of Antarctic studies.”

The anonymous gift also supports the endowed Marken Postgraduate Science Promotion scholarship, the Beatrice Hill Tinsley scholarship, and research into penguin ecology, behaviour, and conservation at UC.

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