The Arctic and the Antarctic are privileged locations for observers interested in understanding how our world is shaped by the forces of nature and the workings of history. These areas have inspired countless humans to undertake epic expeditions of discovery and have witnessed both great triumphs and miserable defeats. As a planetary litmus paper it is at the poles we can detect the effects of natural oscillations and human activities on the global ecosystems.
https://curiouslypolar.com/
001 Introduction to Curiously Polar
In this first episode we introduce this podcast series. Chris and Mario are onboard the S/V Noorderlicht cruising along the West coast of Spitsbergen in the Svalbard Archipelago. The time is the end of May and winter is loosening its grip from the land and the sea. The pack-ice is receding and the separation between water and rocks becomes visible in spite of the sub-zero temperatures and the snowstorms. Birds arrive to the nesting grounds from far and wide and wait impatiently for the snow and ice to melt and reveal the solid ground on which they will build their nests. Reindeer roam eagerly between barren patches and graze as much as possible from timid vegetation popping up between the stones. Polar bears take advantage of the last remains of the pack-ice to hunt seals before the thaw and the first whales profit of the large krill and small fish shoals.