First Qatari ever to set foot on Antarctica

Two Arabs from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are going to travel to the end of the earth on a mission to help raise awareness in their communities about climate change, and the importance of protecting our environment.
Abdulla Al-Misnad of Qatar and Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi of the UAE will join 2041’s ‘Inspire Antarctica Expedition’ from 5th to 18th of March, which will educate participants about global warming, conservation, and Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem. The two Arabs will join a team of 70 people from 28 different countries, who will be exploring the world’s most remote continent.
In 2041 the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty could potentially be modified or amended, thus opening up the currently protected land for mineral exploration. The 2041 expeditions aim to raise awareness of this deadline and build a global consensus that the moratorium on mineral development in Antarctica should be extended beyond 2041.
Shell sees the Antarctic expedition as an opportunity to raise the profile of sustainable development with staff and stakeholders, while focusing on local people in a particular region. The two ambassadors for the Middle East are sponsored by Shell, and were selected for their genuine interest in environmental preservation and their enthusiasm and commitment to convey what they will learn on the expedition to their local communities. Abdulla and Sheikh Abdulaziz represent the environmental issue on different but important levels, bringing a combination of project implementation and community leadership.
David Hone was the pioneer from Shell to embark on 2041’s Inspire Antarctica Expedition last year. David has always worked in the energy sector and has had a long-term interest in environmental issues. His first encounter with such issues was an article in his school science magazine on the destruction of the ozone layer. He combines his work as a climate change adviser for Shell, with his responsibilities as a board member and Vice Chairman of the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA). He also works closely with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and has been a lead contributor to many of its recent energy and climate change publications.
Following in David’s footsteps Abdulla and Sheikh Abdulaziz will explore the southern continent with a team of corporate leaders, environmentalists, entrepreneurs, and teachers. Antarctica is the only continent without a native human population, as approximately 98 percent of its landmass is covered by ice. Antarctica is known as the coldest, windiest, and driest continent. Its arid climate means that it is considered a desert; however this desert of ice is different than the one Abdulaziz and Abdulla are used to.
Abdulla recently joined Shell as a commercial advisor and will work on Shell’s CO2 management activities based in Doha. He has long been interested in the challenges posed by the environment and has even spent time working part-time as an energy auditor. Before joining the Shell team, Abdulla was a process engineer working on the commissioning and operations of NGL plants in Ras Laffan. Abdulla has sought out internships and research that have enabled him to work on a variety of projects throughout the Middle East, including poverty alleviation programs in Jordan, industrial city planning in Qatar and even a global satellite system. Abdulla holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University and a Masters in Development Studies from the London School of Economics.

Sheikh Abdulaziz is a member of the Ajman (UAE) Ruling Family. He is a chemical engineer with a BSc in chemical engineering and petroleum engineering, and has a genuine interest in environmental issues. Sheikh Abdulaziz has a diploma in military sciences and an MBA in environmental sciences, and a PhD in industrial ecology and clean production. Sheikh Abdulaziz is actively involved in a number of environmental, social and educational initiatives across the UAE and the region.
Overseeing the two ambassadors and the expedition team will be the founder of the 2041 organization and its Inspire Antarctic Expeditions, Robert Swan. Swan is a polar explorer, environmental activist, leader and inspirational public speaker. Swan was the first person to set foot on both the North and South poles, and uses his pioneering initiative to guide people toward green minded solutions. His commitment to the cause has contributed to the removal of 1,500 tons of waste from Bellingshausen Station on King George Island in Antarctica, and the creation of the world’s first E-Base education station in Antarctica.
Venturing into the Antarctic is a transformational experience that connects people from around the world to a mission of global environmental preservation. Through the 2041 Alumni Program, the expedition organizers hope that local leaders will keep the mission alive by networking and sharing their experiences after they have left behind the cold and ice. The two ambassadors will bring knowledge home to their communities. Through presentations, videos, and photographs the two environmental ambassadors will help raise awareness of environmental issues in their home countries. In Qatar, Abdulla plans to visit schools across the country to share his experiences and inspire youth.
Abdullah commented on his role as ambassador for Qatar by saying, “As Qataris we have the same responsibilities as other youth all over the world, and it is our responsibility to challenge the knowledge that has been handed down to us, from the way we use water at home, to the way we design gas-processing plants.”
Sheikh Abdulaziz also reflects on the environmental message of the Inspire Antarctic Expedition by saying, “I believe that Climate change is not just a global or local issue, it is ‘Glocal’ challenge involving everyone. We have to monitor our impacts closely, start to re-think our behavior, and favor improvements while sharing the knowledge we gain. These processes will make a difference to a global audience, and by using the new social media for ‘Glocal Climate Exchange’ the general public and younger generations will become engaged in climate change.”
The Antarctic expedition is only the beginning for Abdullah and Sheikh Abdulaziz. Upon their return in late March they will bring their amazing experiences home, and share their knowledge, leadership skills, and passion for the environment with local schools and universities. March 18th marks their journey back home, and creates new opportunities to engage their community, effect change, and inspire younger generations to think proactively about the environment. Many great things will come from the two GCC ambassadors who hold a desire to improve their communities’ environmental consciousness.

Go to http://www.greeningofoil.com/antarctica.aspx to follow Abdulla and experience Antarctica trough his daily blogs from the frozen continent.