Earthwatch Diaries - 2012

Hello and Good-bye from The Arctic’s Edge!

We’re two of the Canadian Earthwatch participants. It was late April when we discovered we had been selected as Earthwatch Fellows. We had mixed feelings of excitement and nervousness. For the month before the expedition we were counting the days and could not wait for the expedition to begin. At last we arrived in Friendly Manitoba!!!

Our goals were to learn more about climate change and collect data for a team of scientists to better understand the diversity and types of wetlands across The Arctic treeline. They are also assessing the impacts of melting permafrost, which holds significant implications for the environment such as releasing carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. Experts from the Churchill Northern Studies Centre told us many interesting things about the threats to permafrost. If you want to discover more about permafrost, watch this video.

We took a lot of measurements and samples - like collecting zooplankton!

Our target was to take 112 samples from 16 wetlands in five days. The good news is we did 160 samples from 20 wetlands!

Working with our team to collect organisms from the ponds was absolutely fantastic!

Also, we had a learning session everyday, which helped us to more deeply understand climate change and our roles in Alcoa’s sustainability efforts.

We spent one afternoon in the town of Churchill, exploring the Eskimo museum, gift shops and coastline, which helped us better understand the culture and history of those living on The Arctic’s Edge.

On our last afternoon, when we wrapped up the expedition and learning sessions, we recognized that it was time to say farewell, our Earthwatch expedition in Churchill finally came to an end. However, a new journey just unfolded in front of us. We will be leaving with more wisdom, knowledge, passion and a sense of responsibility about making a difference. Perhaps these things were gradually developed when we were working closely with each other on daily tasks, or collecting waste bins from the wetlands, or actively engaging in discussions on sustainability, and thinking about the action plans we’re developing for our Alcoa workplace.

Without a doubt we will become awesome sustainability ambassadors at work, at home and in our communities. No matter what level of sustainability awareness each of us had in the past, after this experience, we are ready to bring something positive to more people by changing minds and behaviors. So, do you want to join us and make a difference for our Earth?

- Magdalena Kolacz and Vanessa Kang -

Trekking across the tundra

The tundra is covered by a layer of peat moss, lichen, and different types of flora, which acts as a thermo regulator for the permafrost. The ground is frozen from 40cm-30m under this layer, and this is what is known as permafrost. The floral layer creates an insulation barrier to help prevent the heat of sun and ambient air from melting the permafrost.

Watch a video of us learning about the tundra and its layers.

 
One of the effects of climate change at this latitude is that the summer gets hotter and longer; therefore, it prevents the insulation barrier from maintaining the cold temperature of the permafrost and melts in different parts. This thawing and melting produces new wetlands, in turn, the peat will collapse as the water rises, creating even more new ponds. In addition, trees will die as their root systems become over-saturated, known in layman’s terms as “drunken trees.”

A sign of “drunken trees” is when the needles or leaves fall and the trees have a tendency to lean over.

- Boyd Zacher and Denis Drouin -

The colors are bountiful!

If you think of the Arctic’s edge, you may imagine a white, quite desolate and abandoned land—but several days into this experience I’m still impressed how many colors you can see here.

It’s amazing how many tones you can see just bending down and looking at the soil: red, orange, yellow, green, brown, white, pink and even violet… All together!


When you go around, the soil is quite hard near pathways and it becomes much more soft and elastic as soon as you come near a pond. But you can walk on it without subsiding and it’s able to sustain your weight. In most of the cases around each pond you walk on shrubbery partially immersed in the water.

The most amazing thing… Just forty centimeters away, the permafrost begins!


 - Silvia Marini -

Does this reflect how the global climate is going to change?

Issakha: Hey Marco! The weather was cloudy on Monday, sunny on Tuesday, and today it's a bit rainy! Does this reflect how the global climate is going to change?

Marco: I don't know, Issakha, didn't they start to explain how weather is not the same as climate? But you're right, the weather has been changing since we got here! Have you noticed the expertise and helpfulness of the staff here at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre? 

Issakha: Definitely, my friend. On Monday, I learned how to wear hip waders and I jumped down to the wetlands, joining the environmental team. Wow, I was so excited!

Marco: Man, it was really cold that day! 2 degrees Celsius! I did Zooplankton sampling with a little net to catch the larvae. Then in the afternoon, we came back to the research center to start working on our sustainability project for back home.

Issakha: Zooplankton. What a funny name! On Tuesday morning I was still working with the environmental team. Our tasks were to collect environmental data from around the wetlands, including things like conductivity, wetland water depth, temperature, ph levels. Mon ami, this is fantastic...

Marco: It’s a funny name, yes, but the work we are doing is very important in studying climate change. The reason the study is done here at The Arctic’s edge is because this region is very sensitive to climate change. Our work helps the scientists here better determine the impact that climate change has on this region.

Taking zooplankton samples in the wetlands.

Issakha: Tuesday may have been the sunny day but today is my favourite day. Magdalena briefed us a bit on biodegradable plastics. And with Nichole and Jorge we talked about the issues we face when working on a multicultural team.

Marco: You’re right, Issakha, our team members all have very diverse backgrounds. I’m proud to be part of an organization with so much talent! They are all very passionate about the environment, and all presented very good ideas on what they plan to do at Alcoa and in their communities when they get back home.

Issakha: To finish the day,  I met a very beautiful inhabitant of wetlands today. I caught an amphipod, the caddis fly larvae, and some snails. As you see, Marco, I have travelled from France and I could not have imagined that I would see such species.

Taking Sediments samples in the wetlands.

Marco: You’re right, Issakha, those were really nice creatures. You know, the support we are getting from Earthwatch's Nichole Cirillo is invaluable in helping us prepare ourselves for our upcoming tasks in our home countries.

- Marco Henar and Issakha BAH -

Fieldwork in The Arctic

10 Earthwatch Alcoa Fellows: Wonderful volunteers from nine countries (Australia, Canada, China, France, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Surinam, UK, and USA) travelled to The Arctic to contribute to a great mission of observing the climate change in this area.

On the first day of the expedition, Amanda Winegardner (Churchill Northern Studies Centre PhD Student) gave a presentation on the the impact of climate change in Churchill, such as a 0.5˚C increase of the mean temperature, the three week delay of the Hudson Bay freeze, and the threefold increase in the salinity of the freshwater coastal pools.

After the presentation, we were split into four different groups: the Environmental Group, the Sediments Group, the Physical Group, and the Zooplankton group. Our target for this exciting week is to gather data from 28 wetlands, primarily tundra pond and fen habitat. This data include spatial, physical and environmental data, along with samples of zooplankton and other aquatic invertebrates. In this video, the Churchill Northern Studies Centre staff explains these creatures’ roles in the local foodweb.


On our second day, we started with the fieldwork on six different wetlands. In the Sediments Group we collected core samples and rocks from the wetlands in order to perform the laboratory analysis on those samples. We discovered that core samples extracted from these wetlands can be stratified, with an organic layer first and then a second clay layer. Moreover, we have been involved in taking physical measurements such as the depth of the water at the edges and in the center of the wetlands.


In the afternoon session, we worked on a case study about carbon reduction and the sustainability of an Alcoa plant. In this case study we were supposed to be in the position of the plant management and we thought about several aspects that need to be considered and decided in order to ensure the sustainability of the plant.

We’ve done many interesting things in just the first two days!

- Ameen Ghamdi and Silvia Marini -

4AM: The Journey Begins

4 AM: Wake up Denis there is a flight for you from Quebec to Winnipeg via Toronto and then after that onto Churchill. Yes, if I want to participate in scientific research on climate change at the edge of the Arctic, first I have to get there.

Flight is on time. Sky is clear and beautiful, red and orange-looking to the east. A few minutes before landing, a big beautiful red ball at the horizon reminds me of the purpose of my trip: to learn about climate change and share what I learn to help future generations have a nice and enjoyable place to live, our planet Earth.

At the Winnipeg airport, I had great and inspiring moments meeting other team members coming from around this wonderful Earth. The flight to Churchill is also on time. We are all together on the same plane. Scientific staff from the center is waiting for us on arrival with very cordial welcomes.

After dinner we are briefed on safety (remember: since we are Alcoans, safety is our top priority!) and go over the agenda for the rest of the week. We are all very excited and inspired to begin our work "up here."

- Denis Drouin -

Upon Arrival…

We arrived Sunday at the second-largest contiguous wetland in the world in Canada’s arctic tundra. It is next to the largest bay in the world (Hudson Bay) and just south of the Arctic Circle. The weather was gray, overcast, and windy. We could see the whitecaps washing onto the rocky shore of Hudson Bay. Temperature was somewhere north of freezing, but not too cold.

The Churchill Northern Studies Center where we are staying for the week is comfortable and awesome. It even has a Northern Lights (aurora borealis) viewing dome! We ate dinner, “checked-in,” and participated in our first training session.

On Monday, we had training on our science project, which is to study the effects of climate change on the wetlands of the arctic tundra. Then we went out to collect samples and data on our first two ponds. It was overcast all day. We collected sediment samples, water samples, and learned about and collected various invertebrates (called zooplankton) that populate these frigid, low nutrient waters.

The team collects zooplankton and water samples in the tundra.

After dinner, Dr. Lee Ann Fishback gave us an excellent and objective presentation of climate change facts. Awesome! We all hope to spot polar bears tomorrow and wish for a clear sky at night, so we can see the Northern Lights!

- Jorge Rodriguez and Vicki Stokes -

What do you do to appreciate where you live?

Being chosen for this trip to Churchill and being Canadian is quite the honor. Travelling from Lethbridge, seeing the Rocky Mountains side by side with farmers harvesting their wheat is an incredible site. From Calgary to Winnipeg - taking in all the prairies have to offer. Beautiful grasslands along with the bountiful agricultural aspect in Saskatchewan leading into the land of a thousand lakes in Manitoba—things that we Canadians sometimes take for granted. What do you do to appreciate where you live?

Meeting my Earthwatch Fellows was something I had been looking forward to for months. Finally the day had come and they were everything I had expected. The diversity was AMAZING!!

We landed in Churchill at about 5:30pm Sunday night. It was quite cool and windy, although we did receive a warm reception from the scientists at the Northern Studies Centre, which made everyone feel right at home. Seeing a rainbow over the Hudson Bay was a wonderful touch to start the week.


Monday we had learning sessions on the landscape, on polar bear dos and don’ts, and a session on how climate change has affected our planet, especially the arctic ice. We slipped on our hip waders and some warm clothes and ventured out into the tundra, which was almost like stepping on a giant wet sponge covered in all types of living things such as moss, trees, and all types of vegetation.

Working with my team to collect organisms from the ponds was a blast! Venturing out into waist high water and delivering the specimens to the containers, working with Kia from China and Marco from Suriname, and taking in the scenery is something I will never forget.

- Boyd Zacher -

Climate Change at the Arctic’s Edge

From September 16 to 22, Alcoans participating on the "Climate Change at the Arctic's Edge" will gather data on the impacts of melting permafrost, which holds significant implications for the environment, such as releasing carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. 

The participants are:

Ameen Al-Ghamdi, Mining Operation Manager, Ma'aden Aluminum Company, Saudi Arabia
“One of my main goals is to learn and develop myself and the whole mine team in understanding climate change, how we can protect our environment, and our responsibilities toward the community while maintaining a profitable business. I am very keen to participate in this worldwide event to share experiences with people about climate change and environment protection, community support and concepts of sustainability, and to be exposed to the recent research in these fields. Once I come back to Saudi Arabia with this experience, I will share it with my superiors, subordinates, family and friends, because I believe that by learning and attempting to take care of nature, we are actually helping to improve the quality of our life and the generations to come.”

Issakha BAH, CEA Engineer, France
“I would like to participate on the Earthwatch expedition for many reasons: This will be the moment for me to apply my knowledge in the field next to scientists, and then improve my personal and professional skills by being involved in a multicultural team. Also, I am currently working in the Alcoa Building and Construction Systems (BCS) and as we know, buildings use about 40% of global energy, 25% of global water and 40% of global resources, and they emit approximately 1/3 of the GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions. So I really look forward to having knowledge on how the environment is adapting itself to climate change in order to copy, improve and apply it to Alcoa architectural products (thermal performance, vegetalized façade, Acoustic performance).” [sic]

Denis Drouin, Contractor Manager, Bécancour, Canada
“I’m happy to contribute in helping scientists to battle against global warming, to design prediction models to reverse the loss of biodiversity in order to implement results and significantly advance conservation priorities in the world’s most endangered environments. I have read “Collapse” a book written about collapsed civilization, telling that so many of them vanished from the world because of deforestation or climate change. On a day to day we all have to do small actions to conserve and preserve energy, flora and fauna. I have the motivation and capacity to help and a great interest to give my time to this project.”

Marco Henar, Production Planning Engineer, Suriname
“I think that mutual sharing and divulging of information and experience across the broad global spectrum will only enhance and improve the overall awareness we all need to have in order to prepare ourselves and future generations about the importance of sustainability. This experience will be used for brainstorming, passing on of information, debating sessions, and, ultimately, the initiation, follow-up, and successful continuance/closure of a project related to sustainability.”

Vanessa Kang, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Beijing, China
“As a CSR Manager, I have many opportunities to share Alcoa's best practices in sustainability with the public and our employees, and I have led many CSR programs in Asia and China; but as an individual, apart from attending company-organized volunteer activities, I have never had hands-on opportunity outside China to experience what sustainability means to Alcoa and the environment. I believe that this experience will deepen my understanding on sustainability and I will bring more knowledge to my work .”

Magdalena Kolacz, Foundry Process Metallurgist, Kitts Green, United Kingdom
“I am passionate about the environment and believe that it is important that we use our skill to address environmental challenges. I would like to contribute to maintaining the wildlife, plants and natural beauty of our planet for future generations. I want to use my research and engineering skills to increase understanding of environmental issues and help find scientific solutions. I believe that it is important that Alcoa contributes to global sustainability to demonstrate that we are committed to environmental issues. I hope to be a valuable team member and participate in successful and useful projects that will benefit the earth and wildlife.”

Silvia Marini, GBS IS - WRC IT Support Analyst, Fusina, Italy
“Participating in the Earthwatch program is a great and unique opportunity to increase my personal knowledge about environmental issues, to better understand what the effects are on climate changes around the world and what can be the consequences on the forests as sources of life for our world and to collaborate with people with different backgrounds and experiences. I'm really interested in the practical aspects of this experience: using my time and my hands as an Earthwatch Fellow and most of all when I’ll be back at home sharing the whole experience with my colleagues, family and friends.”

Jorge Rodriguez, HR Business Partner, Davenport, Iowa, United States
“I am interested in the protection and preservation of the environment because I am keenly aware of the fragile nature of the factors that make life on earth possible, factors such as the thinness of our atmosphere in the void of space and the exhaustion of finite natural resources. On a very personal level, I want to protect and preserve the environment for my five children, and my grandchildren to come. I expect this experience to be another opportunity for me to make a difference, as well as to provide me with more credibility and insight to carry the ideas and actions forward to others.”

Vicki Stokes, Research Scientist, Huntly Mine, Australia
“I believe in an environmentally sustainable future based on a better understanding of the natural world and fostering individuals and communities to learn to live in harmony with natural ecosystems. I also believe that this experience would be highly valuable for development of skills and contacts relevant to my work. As a research scientist it is always great to meet and interact with other scientists and share ideas about projects. I also believe the expedition would provide an opportunity for personal development by interacting with people of other cultures and backgrounds. Overall I would hope to gain personal satisfaction and increased knowledge from helping on a valuable research program.”

Boyd Zacher, Master Layout Mechanic, Lethbridge, Canada
“I want to make a difference for future generations to be able to live and enjoy the earth. I believe that the Earthwatch expedition can give me that opportunity, along with the opportunity to share the knowledge that will be learned with others, so they know how they can make a difference. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to make new friendships, learn about the environmental impact we have on earth and how we can change our way of thinking when it comes to the environmental footprint we have on Mother Earth.” 

The expedition is not really going to end

After a nice dinner, the moment finally comes that everyone needs to head back to his or her home. It has popped up many times in my head about how to say goodbye to the team, the facilitators, the professors, and the local helpers, but finally it turns out that we will never say really goodbye, because the expedition is not really going to end.

When I first looked at the intensive schedule, I must admit that I wasn’t so sure if I could complete all the sessions and the fieldwork as well as expected. Thanks to an outstanding team of Alcoa Fellows and the excellent organization by Earthwatch, I'm proud of what we achieved in the past week.

In the field, we collected leaves and other materials from 149 traps, observed phenology status for 4 species, collected 30 soil samples from 5 forests, and installed tree rings and measured breast height diameter for 26 trees. In the lab, we sorted 45 bags of leaves and entered more than 40 sets of measurement data. In the learning sessions, we learned about phenology (the life cycles of organisms), how different kinds of organisms connect to each other in ecosystems, what types of what types of challenges the earth is facing because of the ways human beings are changing the environment. 


We also shared ideas on environmental protection, exchanged interesting life stories, gave a hand to each other in the field, accommodated the differences between Eastern and Western cultures, and advised each other on individual future projects. Together we laughed, we argued, we played, and we adventured. One can already barely recall all of the memories, even though they happened in just one week.

An old Chinese saying tells us that gathering is always followed by departing. It may not be a happy moment to see each other off, but do remember: the other part of this Chinese saying is that departing means the next gathering is coming. There is no doubt that we will continue our friendships in future, and the expedition in our lives is not going to end.

- Haijiang Wang -