Chapter 9: Lessons of the Antarctic

Our trip down to the Antarctic was a transformative experience. I learned so much more than I expected. I observed a new kind of scenery rarely seen, and watched wildlife I had never encountered.

But more than that, the expedition reinforced the sheer size and scale of the Earth. It took two days, two days, and four days to get between our three destinations on a modern vessel. Tierra del Fuego, the Antarctic continent, and South Georgia feature completely different environments. The Earth truly is amazing. The bottom of the world resembles Hoth. The jungles of Avatar can be found in the planet’s many jungles. Dune exists in the vast Sahara desert.

Returning to South America through the Beagle Channel

And that’s just the setting. It’s the life on Earth that makes it truly unique. Diverse, plentiful life in all sizes and forms. In the Antarctic we experienced intimate interactions with penguins, seals and whales. We share the world’s oceans and landmasses with these creatures. It is incumbent for us to protect this planet, for it is the only home we know. We are not stewards, but passengers. As we hurtle through space and time aboard our starship, we must recognize this miracle, the miracle that is us. The Antarctic is extraordinary. So are we.