Educational Media Reviews Online

“How will the Arctic respond to global warming?” Although this question has been raised by many who are concerned about the environment, very few have ventured to the cold Arctic region to discover firsthand what is actually taking place there. This film profiles the efforts of an international team of scientists seeking to find answers to this question. It covers a one-year expedition during which a group of scientists explores the arctic studying the ecosystem and observing changes in the atmosphere in order to be able to draw a map to a safer global future.

Ice in the Arctic region is melting due to global warming and climate change, causing profound changes for the entire planet. Not only will it affect polar bears and other species living in the region, but it will also have wider geopolitical effects on a global level. The enthusiastic team of scientist aboard the Canadian coastguard icebreaker is on a mission to find out the causes and effects of global warming through scientific investigation and direct observation. Their experiments involve the use of ice-core research to gather information on past temperature fluctuations and evolution of weather conditions, as well as research on zooplankton to gain a better understanding of the rising levels of greenhouse gases. They also study the species diversity of benthic marine animals and measure the level of contamination in marine organisms caused by industrial pollutants. Their unique discoveries will pave the way for better implementation of measures to stabilize the climate and help solve the problem of global warming.

Very few scientific studies have been carried out in the Arctic during winter time. This film provides the viewer the opportunity to have a close look at the Arctic winter and the scientists at work when the ocean is covered with a thick layer of ice. It is a good resource for those interested in Arctic studies and oceanography to learn about the many aspects of life on board a floating laboratory.