Shifting the Balance
Earlier this year, four women set out on an epic, 29-day journey across the Arctic by ski. The women, who called themselves the “Climate Sentinels,” were scientists, and their mission was to collect data that will improve our understanding of the carbon cycle. But they also aimed to challenge traditional notions about who conducts scientific research and how they do it.
I’ve been thinking a lot about their story, which we featured in the latest issue of the Journal. In part, I think, because, like so many people, I’m drawn to stories of adventure. There’s just something so impressive about what these women accomplished. (I’m sure the fact that I love to cross-country ski has something to do with it too — though to be clear, I’ve never skied for more than a few hours at a time, and I’ve certainly never pulled a month’s worth of food and gear behind me while doing so.)
But more than that, their story got me thinking, once again, about the importance of representation in climate research and policy, and about the unique challenges women face in doing this work, from overt sexism, to less overt biases, to a disproportionate share of household work and childcare at home, something the Journal has covered before. The Climate Sentinels are no different. As reporter Elena Kazamia wrote in her feature, the team actually included six women, but two had children shortly before the trip so they supported the journey from afar.
As if that wasn’t enough, the story also had me pondering the balance between personal action and corporate and government responsibility. While these women took the immense time and energy to pull together this low-emissions research trip, top polluting countries continue to make only incremental progress to address the climate crisis, and Big Oil continues to eke out every last dollar it can from fossil fuels while evading any responsibility for rising temperatures. If we are to avoid the worst that climate change has to offer, that balance must shift — and fast.
I think it’s fair to say that the Climate Sentinels had an impact on me. I hope their story gets you thinking, too. I, for one, can’t wait to hear what they get up to next. Nor can I wait to get out on my skis.
Zoe Loftus-Farren
Managing Editor, Earth Island Journal
Photo by: Chris Pirner / Nasa Goddard Space Flight Center
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