I’ve just returned from the Arctic—an extraordinary realm that defies description. Nature’s raw power was on full display: towering glaciers, miles long and many stories high, calving massive chunks that could quickly sink our tiny zodiac. Beneath us, unstable ice formations threatened to erupt from the depths, a reminder of nature’s unpredictability. And in this wild expanse, I glimpsed creatures that could claim a life with a single blow alongside winds fierce enough to carry trees from North America thousands of miles away to rest upon distant shores. Our ship was the only sign of humanity in this vast, untouched wilderness for ten days.
Yet, amidst this breathtaking beauty, I witnessed the fragility of our planet. The glaciers are melting faster than ever, some retreating at ten times the pace of recent years. Just 600 miles from the North Pole, we could not reach the pack ice that was once a regular sight a mere decade ago. Polar bears, once spotted throughout the Svalbard archipelago, now hide deep within the drifting ice, and bird populations are dwindling as warming seas disrupt their food sources.
As we sailed from open waters to serene coves, our diverse group of twelve whispered the word “privileged” in hushed tones, acutely aware that this wonder may not be here for future generations. We often discussed what we could do to protect this icy frontier, grappling with the overwhelming scale of the challenge. Yet, we recognized that twelve individuals held the potential for unique contributions tailored to our own skills and passions. We pledged to advocate in the ways that suit us best, building awareness and inspiring action.
I invite you to join me on this journey. Let’s cultivate a more profound love for our fascinating—and sometimes humorous—natural world. With each step, we can spark a movement to cherish and protect the wonders surrounding us.