Tuesday 24 June 2008

This is the view shared by students Emma Bierman and Casper ter Kuile, who have just returned from a 10-day WWF voyage to the Arctic where they witnessed the impact of climate change in the region.

The pair, who both study at Warwick University, now take on roles as UK ambassadors for WWF's ongoing climate change campaign.

"The situation is far more urgent than we had perceived," said Emma. "Visiting the Arctic and hearing the scientific background has confirmed how urgent this issue is.

"We need to work hard for a social movement that will put pressure on governments worldwide to make long-term decisions about people and planet."

Arctic voyage

During the Arctic voyage, which started from Svalbard, Norway, the students – who came from around the world – visited fjords to witness the shrinking glaciers and reduction in sea ice. They also saw the wealth of Arctic wildlife, including seals, walruses, reindeer and the critically-threatened polar bear, whose habitat is disappearing.

The students got the opportunity to learn from WWF staff and experts in the field about the effects of climate change and the dangers posed by the growing economic interest in the Arctic from the oil and gas, fishing and shipping industries. They also visited Ny Ålesund, the most northern settlement in the world, and an international centre for Arctic research.

To see blogs and pictures from their journey go to wwf.org.uk/voyageforthefuture

Get on Board petition

On 30 June, Emma and Casper will deliver WWF's Get on Board petition to Prime Minister Gordon Brown at 10 Downing Street. This asks the UK government to include a commitment to reducing CO₂ emissions by at least 80% by 2050 in the Climate Change Bill currently going through Parliament. It also calls for the Bill to include emissions from aviation and shipping.