CU Scientists to Explore Arctic Ocean to Measure Climate Change

Chulalongkorn University researchers from the Faculty of Science is the first from Asia to explore the Arctic and study underwater climate change during a research expedition from 24 July – 12 August 2018.

 

On Wednesday, 18 July 2018 a press conference was held at the National Science Museum, Floor 4, Chamchuri Square, to announce Thailand’s first polar research organized by The Information Technology Foundation under the Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in collaboration with the Embassy of Norway, the National Science Museum, and Chulalongkorn University. The two CU researchers selected to join the team are Associate Professor Voranop Viyakarn and Associate Professor Suchana Apple Chavanich from the Department of Marine Science. The main mission of the trip is to investigate how the Arctic Ocean is changing and measure the effects of climate change.

 

The press conference was joined by Dr. Pairat Tatchayapong (Board of Director and Secretary at the Information Technology Foundation under the Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn), Mr. Vegard Holmelid (Minister Counsellor at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Bangkok), Ms. Ganigar Chen (Director Office of the Public Awareness of Science at the National Science Museum), and Assistant Professor Dr. Pomthong Malakul Na Ayudhaya (Vice President of Academic Affairs).

 

Associate Professor Voranop Viyakarn explained that although the North Pole is remote and far away from the other continents, this pristine region is closely linked to humans from an ecological viewpoint and is the perfect place to observe various phenomena.  Unfortunately, the area has turned into a garbage trap for marine debris from human activities and a place where greenhouse gases accumulate.  Clearly, the Arctic has become Earth’s first line of defense and explorations and observations on any changes happening are crucial for the planet’s future.

 

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