Edinburgh Polar

Our polar regions are facing unprecedented threats from global change and resource exploitation. From sea ice retreat and oil prospecting in the Arctic, to ice sheet collapse and fisheries exploitation in the Antarctic, our own future is inextricably linked with theirs.

Edinburgh has a world famous tradition of polar research and exploration spanning over a century - 2017 marks the 150^th anniversary of the birth of William Speirs Bruce, Edinburgh alumnus, polar explorer and oceanographer. The University of Edinburgh continues to lead cutting edge research on the response of polar regions to global change, assessing key issues such as ice loss, sea level rise and the polar carbon cycle.

As the records for warming in the Arctic continue to tumble, and concerns grow that powerful climate feedback mechanisms may be unleashed, the 'Edinburgh Polar' event on May 9th is very timely. The University of Edinburgh has been a hub for polar research and exploration for centuries and this great legacy continues with the cutting-edge work at both poles currently being led by colleagues in the School of Geosciences. This public event is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about past, current and future work in these awesome and vital, yet fragile, regions of our planet.

Schedule

6:00-6:15pm:   Arrival and registration

6:15-6:20pm:   Welcome and introduction to speakers (Dave Reay)

6:20-6:40pm:   Edinburgh and Polar Exploration (David Munro)

6:40-7:00pm:   University of Edinburgh and the Arctic (Lorna Street)

7:00-7:20pm:   University of Edinburgh and the Antarctic (Sian Henley)

7:20-7:30pm:   Q&A

7:30-8:00pm:   Drinks reception in atrium

We hope you will be able to join us.  The event is free to attend but we ask if you could please register your attendance for catering purposes.