Reduce carbon footprint in Antarctica
Updated: 2014-03-11 09:48
By Zhang Yue (China Daily)
|
||||||||
Zhang Zhengwang, professor from Beijing Normal University specializing in ornithology, was with Xie during the expedition.
"The last time I visited Antarctica was 20 years ago," Zhang recalls. "The number of people who visited Antarctica has dramatically increased during the years. The Great Wall Scientific Exploratory Station received less than 100 visitors back in the 1990s. In 2013, the station received more than 2, 000 visitors."
Xie says tourism is probably the biggest pollution contributor in Antarctica. While tourists are mostly from the US and European countries, the number of Chinese visitors are also increasing. Chinese tourists are the fifth largest group of visitors in the world to Antarctica.
Xie has been posting his experience in Antarctica through social communications platform Wechat during his stay in Antarctica. He says he registered the account only a few months prior to his Antarctic journey so that he could share stories and ideas during his days there. Through Wechat, he hopes to garner more support to better protect Antarctica.
"I used to spend at least one hour a day on Wechat, deciding on the right words and phrases to use before posting on my moments. It was challenging because the Internet connection on the exploration station is erratic," he says. "But I soon got a good grasp of it."
Xie says reading friends' comments became one of the greatest joys during his days there.
"Because in Antarctica, you basically don't meet anyone besides the team members," he says. "Tough conditions such as freezing weather and no fresh fruits and vegetables are not the biggest issues. Loneliness is."
- Gorgeous Liu Tao poses for COSMO magazine
- Post-baby Duchess
- Victoria Beckham S/S 2014 presented during NYFW
- 'Despicable' minions upset Depp's 'Lone Ranger' at box office
- 'Taken 2' grabs movie box office crown
- Rihanna's 'Diamonds' tops UK pop chart
- Fans get look at vintage Rolling Stones
- Celebrities attend Power of Women event
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Malaysia Airlines plane still missing |
Deputies persevere on winding road to change |
Landing scare grounds homemade planes |
Scientists search for clear answers on smog |
Safeguarding China's sunken riches |
Banknote buys new vision of history |
Today's Top News
Search widens for lost air carrier Boeing 777
Carrying out goals of report vital
GDP target of 7.5% possible
ZTE, Houston Rockets join hands
Missing jet may have disintegrated - source
Affirmative action and US courts
Tougher penalty for underage prostitutes
ROM opens gates of China's Forbidden City
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |