Brazil is strengthening its commitment to climate research by leading an international-scale scientific expedition in Antarctica. Named Circum-Navigation Costeira Antártica, this unprecedented mission, orchestrated by the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, runs from November 22 to January 25 and covers a journey of over 20,000 kilometers along the icy coasts of the white continent.
A multidisciplinary and international mission
Bringing together 61 researchers from seven countries – Brazil, Argentina, Chile, China, India, Peru, and Russia – this expedition revolves around three main axes: monitoring ice caps, analyzing the climate, and studying microplastics. With 27 Brazilian scientists from six universities, the project represents an ambitious scientific and technical collaboration.
The experts will collect biological, chemical, physical, and atmospheric data while conducting an unprecedented aerial survey of ice masses. The goal is to assess the impact of climate change on glaciers and to better understand the complex interactions within the Antarctic ecosystem.
An essential contribution to climate science
Jefferson Simões, a professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul and head of the mission, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “We will conduct a series of analyses to measure the effects of physical and chemical changes on this unique environment. This international cooperation is essential for meaningful results.”
This initiative strengthens Brazil’s role as a leader in polar research. It also helps to elucidate the crucial role of Antarctica in regulating the global climate while drawing attention to the urgency of preserving this fragile ecosystem.
A step closer to understanding climate challenges
The Circum-Navigation Costeira Antártica expedition marks a decisive step in the scientific exploration of polar regions. It illustrates the necessity of global collaboration to tackle the challenges of climate warming and offers valuable insights into understanding the global impacts of changes in Antarctica on the entire planet.