IN her latest book, The Quickening, Pulitzer Prize finalist Elizabeth Rush describes an expedition to the Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica that not only challenges physical boundaries but also opens up insights into climate change.

The book describes a thrilling journey to the Thwaites Glacier, a location known as the “doomsday glacier,” because of its dramatic impact on sea level rise.

In 2019, a team of 57 scientists and crew embarked on a 54-day expedition to the Thwaites Glacier. Located at the edge of the Amundsen Sea, Thwaites is known for its rapid melting, losing up to 80 billion tons of ice each year and contributing 4% to annual sea level rise. This makes it one of the most critical points in the fight against climate change.

However, a new study suggests that while Thwaites is continuing to melt at an alarming rate, its imminent collapse may not be as likely as previously thought, providing hope that a potentially catastrophic global impact could be averted, though the threat remains.

Elizabeth Rush, best known for her book Rising on climate change, joined the mission through the Antarctic Artists & Writers Programme. As reported by BBC Travel, Elizabeth Rush explained that the journey gave her a new perspective on the world and the ethics of exploration in a very fragile ecosystem.

Where is the Thwaites Glacier located? How did Rush first learn about this exploration mission?

Thwaites Glacier, located at the edge of the Amundsen Sea in Antarctica, is a mysterious location that requires a four-day journey to reach the nearest research base. Eliszabeth Rush explains that when she applied to join the mission through the Antarctic Artists & Writers Program, the program officer mentioned how difficult it would be to provide assistance in this location compared to the space station.

The glacier is in rapid decline, but no one has ever explored its edge. With a 60-page application, Rush managed to secure the last spot on the icebreaker for the expedition.

What to know when planning to explore Antarctica?

More than two centuries ago, humans first laid eyes on this continent. Antarctica is such a majestic place that for most of history, humans have been kept from its presence.

Unlike every other corner of the planet that has a long history of indigenous people, Antarctica is the only place that does not have such stories. Therefore, visiting this place requires a deep respect and understanding of its uniqueness and wonder.

If you plan to go there, remember how rare this opportunity is and how special Antarctica is as a destination.

Elizabeth Rush’s Experience Exploring Earth’s “Fiery Glacier”

Rush describes how the Thwaites expedition had a profound impact on his views on the environment and humanity. “The Thwaites Glacier is a very mysterious and dangerous place,” he said. “It’s an experience that makes us think more deeply about what it means to look after the planet.”

During the expedition, Rush and his team witnessed dramatic changes in the glacier, with the melting process seemingly taking place before their eyes. Rush described the moment the glacier began to break up as a very shocking experience, almost like something out of science fiction.

In his discussion of the ethics of exploration, Rush emphasizes that visiting extremely remote and fragile places must be done with deep respect and awareness. He argues that casual tourism to places like Antarctica is not always beneficial and can be damaging, even though witnessing the beauty and uniqueness of these places can motivate conservation action.

Rush also reflected on how the experience changed his outlook on the future and humanity. He said the trip showed him how interconnected the global ecosystem is and the importance of our role in maintaining the balance of the planet.

“We need to be more aware of the impact of our actions,” he said. “What happens in Antarctica is not just confined to there, it affects the entire global climate system.”

Rush expressed optimism despite the current difficult conditions. “Having a child is a form of my hope for the future,” he said. “And while I am aware of the great challenges that the next generation will face, I am committed to contributing positively and ensuring that my child grows up in a better world.”

The Quickening by Elizabeth Rush is not just a travelogue to the Thwaites Glacier, but a profound reflection on climate change and our responsibility to the environment. With each page, Rush brings us closer to a greater understanding of how we can safeguard the planet for future generations. (Z-3)