Wednesday 4 June 2008

Emma Biermann and Casper ter Kuile, both undergraduates at the University of Warwick, are among 18 students from nine countries chosen to become ambassadors in the fight against global climate change.

On their 10-day boat trip from Svalbard, Norway, all the students will gain a wealth of knowledge about climate change, its effects, and potential solutions during on-board lectures from WWF staff and other expert scientists. Having observed the impacts of climate change in the Arctic – where air temperatures in the region have on average increased by about 5°C over the last 100 years – they will then work with WWF to call for urgent action on this issue.

"Climate change is the biggest issue facing us today, especially our generation," said Emma. "The Arctic is experiencing some of the most extreme effects, including melting ice-caps causing rising sea levels. I am looking forward to uniting with other young people concerned about the effects of climate change and working together for emissions reductions globally."

Casper added: "I'm volunteering with WWF because my generation needs a voice to force leaders to act on climate change. We need at least an 80% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2050. Politicians, business leaders and the public are all beginning to take action on climate change – and I am determined to ensure that we continue."

Through the UK students' lobbying, changes have already been made at the University of Warwick to improve its environmental record. An environmental manager was employed by the university two years ago because of successive years of petitions, and this year the kitchens in all halls of residence will have a large recycling bin which is expected to boost recycling rates from 20% to around 90%.

Vice chancellor at the University of Warwick, Professor Nigel Thrift, said: "We're very proud of Casper and Emma and their work with WWF. Staff and students are working hard on the challenges presented by climate change – researching sustainable technologies and green energy sources as well as the economic and social issues."

Climate change is already damaging the world's ecosystems, and its impacts in the Arctic are expected to be among the greatest of any region on Earth. Not only is the Arctic particularly vulnerable to climate change but, as it warms, further greenhouse gases such as methane – previously frozen in the soil – are released, which in turn further fuels global warming. Left unchecked, climate change will be devastating for species, habitats and people.

WWF is calling on the government to commit to reducing the UK's CO₂ emissions by at least 80% by 2050 in its new Climate Change Bill, and for this reduction target to include emissions from international aviation and shipping.

You can follow Casper and Emma's journey online, see photographs taken during the trip and read blogs describing their experiences, at wwf.org.uk/voyageforthefuture