Social entrepreneur Anthea Ong, 49, gave up her car in 2010 after 20 years of driving to reduce her carbon footprint.
For the environmentalist, joining an Antarctica expedition as part of a 100-strong team, which includes climate change scientists and entrepreneurs from all over the world, and making the 13-day trip to advocate climate change was a dream come true.
Ms Ong, the founder of Hush TeaBar – which employs the deaf and those with mental health issues – hopes to find out first-hand how global warming has affected Antarctica and the world.
Joining her on the trip are Ms Jessica Cheam, 34, managing editor of Eco-Business, a media organisation that reports on sustainable development, and singer-songwriter Inch Chua, 29.
The annual expedition is organised by 2041 Foundation, which aims to raise awareness and create a new generation of sustainability and environmental leaders for the planet who can champion the preservation of Antarctica.
Scientists say the melting of Antarctic ice sheets could increase global sea levels by as much as 5m, submerging many of the world’s coastal cities, including islands like Singapore.
Ms Ong is also braving the cold to champion self-care and workplace mental health. She hopes to inspire change and plans to share her experience through lunchtime talks at companies.
Ms Ong, who applied for the expedition directly, funded the US$18,000 (S$24,000) trip with her savings. Ms Cheam and Ms Chua won a contest held by City Development, in which they had to propose solutions for climate change.
When she returns, Ms Cheam plans to produce a documentary about climate change and also present a photo collection and a short film at a public exhibition.
Ms Chua plans to capture the sounds of Antarctica and experiment with them. “I want to create art with my experience to encourage discussion and contemplation.”
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Source: The Straits Times, 27 February 2018