Consulate General of Belgium in New York的动态

Christian Clauwers is a Belgian explorer, photographer, and visual storyteller, who travels to the world’s most remote regions. Commissioned by BELSPO, the Belgian Science Policy Office, he supports the outreach and dissemination of research conducted aboard Belgium’s research vessel, Belgica. Last week, together with the Permanent Representation of Belgium to the United Nations in New York, we hosted Christian who gave a presentation titled 'On the Frontlines of Climate Change- the Belgica and 125 Years of Antarctic Exploration'. As the audience marveled at his photos, Christian talked about Belgica’s renowned Antarctic expeditions, the scientific research conducted aboard, and the effects of climate change on the Small Island Developing States. Before the presentation, we had the chance to catch up with Christian at The Explorers Club, the legendary club where he is a fellow and had spoken the night before. "Photography is a universal language—one that reveals what is at stake. Did you know that one million out of eight million species are at risk of extinction due to human activity? For the past decade, the evolving conflict between humanity and nature has been at the heart of my photographs, serving as a tool to raise awareness and connect science, policy, diplomacy, and industry. As a witness, I capture nature’s beauty but also reveal its fragile codependence with humanity. Every year, I return to Svalbard and see how it transforms. This Arctic archipelago is warming four to six times faster than anywhere else on Earth. In July, I will join a team of Lithuanian scientists documenting the region’s fastest glacial retreat. In the 1950s, the glacier still touched the Arctic Ocean. Now, it has receded into a 1.2-kilometer lagoon, a new biosphere taking shape in real time. Belgium has long played a role in polar exploration. More than 125 years ago, Adrien de Gerlache led the first scientific expedition to Antarctica aboard Belgica. While other explorers focused on reaching the geographical South Pole, de Gerlache and his team conducted some of the first in-depth studies of Antarctica’s climate, ice, and wildlife. As Belgica became trapped in ice for over a year, the expedition also provided critical insights into surviving extreme polar conditions. With our Princess Elizabeth Station—Antarctica’s only fully sustainable research base—Belgium continues to play a pivotal role in international scientific projects related to the polar regions. It makes me very proud and hopeful for the future." Filip Vanden Bulcke Embassy of Belgium in the United States of America Ministry of Foreign Affairs Belgium #belgiumintheus #climatechangeaction