More than a childhood dream: S'porean, 25, travels to Antarctica to learn more about its conservation & climate change
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Loading... - Kosuke Takao
- 30 Sep 2022
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Foo Tun Shien is a recent Bachelor of Environmental Studies graduate from the National University of Singapore.
Someone with a self-professed love for adventure and nature, Foo was selected to be one of 170 participants from 35 countries to embark on an expedition to the southernmost part of the world, Antarctica.
After witnessing Antarctica’s wildlife, exploring glaciers, and experiencing its fragile ecosystem, Foo reflects on how even the most remote of places on Earth cannot remain untouched by the effects of mankind and climate change.
By Foo Tun Shien
I first learnt about Antarctica in primary school, when I was introduced to the seven continents.
One, in particular, was described to me as vast, cold and extremely far, making it very difficult to get to.
After the lesson, I vaguely remember looking at pictures and snippets of Antarctica in documentaries.
This memory, however, might have also been influenced by watching the 2006 animated movie ‘Happy Feet’, which featured singing and dancing penguins.
Here’s the movie poster to help jog your memory.
It was then that I made an innocent childhood promise to make a trip down south to see Antarctica in all its beauty.
A chance presents itself
I was exposed to the natural environment at a young age and learnt to appreciate both the beauty and vulnerability of our planet.
When I was younger, Botanic Gardens and East Coast Park were two areas my family would frequent over the weekend.
However, it was my first intertidal walk during my secondary school days that got me exploring other intertidal areas and nature spaces in Singapore, as well as take up scuba diving.
My interest grew in wanting to better understand the science and complexities around climate change and also the risk of losing some of the key ecosystems on our planet, such as Antarctica.
2018 was when I first learnt about the 2041 ClimateForce Antarctic Expedition. I was inspired by its mission to protect Antarctica by forming a network of support through those who had witnessed the beauty of Antarctica and impact of climate change on this uninhabited land of ice. Read More…
