Oxford academic away on snow patrol (From Oxford Mail)

Oxford academic away on snow patrol

5:02pm Friday 13th November 2009 in News By Fran Bardsley

AN ENVIRONMENTALIST from Oxford is joining the first man to walk to both poles on an expedition to Antarctica.

Aaron Holdway, a 30-year-old masters student at Linacre College, is one of 44 people selected from across the world to join explorer Robert Swan on an expedition to the frozen continent.

Mr Holdway will experience first-hand the effects of climate change – and will report his findings to the wider community.

The student, who is originally from Nova Scotia in Canada but has lived in Oxford for three years, said: “When Rob Swan first went to Antarctica, he saw a lot of changes happening and he wanted to share that and get young people from around the world to see what is happening there.

“I have always wanted to go to Antarctica but I never imagined it would actually be possible; it feels almost like going to the moon.”

The expedition team will be made up of people from 15 different countries, including eight from the UK.

Corporate leaders, climate change experts, teachers and students will be among those taking part.

All were selected for their passion for combating climate change, and for the plans they had to spread the word and share their experiences when they return.

Mr Holdway said: “Antarctica is on the frontline of climate change and the main attraction for me is getting first-hand experience and seeing for myself what is happening, which should be quite powerful.

“I hope what I see will give me ammunition to confront climate sceptics because I will be able to say I have seen the effects of climate change with my own eyes.”

The International Antarctic Treaty Expedition will be the ninth led by Mr Swan, and will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the 1959 signing of the Antarctic Treaty.

Usually a place on the expedition would cost in the region of £15,000 – but thanks to sponsorship and fundraising, Mr Holdway will need to contribute only £2,000 for his flight to Buenos Aires and equipment.

Mr Holdway will meet up with the rest of the team in Ushuaia in Argentina – the world’s most southern city – on Monday, with a ship due to set off for Antarctica through the Drake Passage on Wednesday.

The trip will visit various parts of the coast and different islands, and one night of camping on the ice in temperatures as low as -15°C.

People can follow the group’s progress at expedition.2041.com and Mr Holdway will be blogging from the Antarctic at aaron holdway.wordpress.com fbardsley@oxfordmail.co.uk