The winner of our fifth environmental champion award is Caroline Marriage, from Cambourne, who is travelling to Antarctica to learn more about the environment and equip herself with the tools to create a meaningful impact in communities on her return.
Caroline applied to go on the 2041 Climateforce Antarctic Expedition and was then offered a place and the opportunity to take part in the "Leadership on the Edge" (LOTE) programme.
The programme and expedition, which begins on March 17, will help raise awareness for participants to be equipped to educate others on the urgency of the current climate crisis.
The leadership programme consists of a unique blend of leadership development, workshops, up-to-date climate change training, and sustainability education.
Caroline said: “The expedition is a unique opportunity to learn from experts in the world of climate change and sustainability whilst seeing first-hand the impact of climate change on the landscape and wildlife of Antarctica: the last untouched piece of the globe.”
Caroline, who works for Origami at Cambridge science park, has been raising money to cover the trip's costs and has received help from Origami and sponsorship from the British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA).
The BMRA hope their support will further raise awareness of metal recycling’s contribution to the earth’s sustainability.
The expedition will last for 12 days and is led by Robert Swan, OBE, the first person to travel to both the North and South poles, whose mission is to spread the message of preservation in Antarctica.
Robert set up expeditions to Antarctica and the Arctic to train and inspire people to support initiatives around sustainability and hopes to use the expedition to utilise adventure as a vehicle to preserve our planet.
Caroline, on her fundraising page, said: "I'm really looking forward to being able to share what I learn on the Expedition.
"To use it to be able to talk first hand about the impact climate change is having and how important it is to continue to protect and preserve the last untouched continent on the planet.
"Also, to work with young people so that they can be engaged by science and technology, and understand the need to work towards a better planet for us all."
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