Christchurch is one of only a few cities in the world with the designation of being a 鈥楪ateway to Antarctica鈥. Along with New Zealand鈥檚 national Antarctic programme, the US, China, and many other countries use the city as a launchpad for expeditions. This gives 艑tautahi the rare status of being a convergence point for some of the best minds in Antarctic research. Recently, an anonymous donation of $1.2 million was made towards UC鈥檚 Faculty of Science, a portion of which is earmarked for Antarctic studies.
鈥淭his donation will make a difference for the new generation in Antarctic science and research,鈥 says Associate Professor Liggett.
It鈥檚 vital to have more researchers established in the field of Antarctic studies because of the continent鈥檚 importance in world climate and ecosystems. Worldwide, 3 billion people rely on the fisheries industry for a living. Warming ocean temperatures, melting ice sheets, and ocean acidification from increased carbon absorption are now disrupting the delicate processes that feed this vital industry.
