Training Divers to Study Climate Change Beneath Polar Ice

As the Arctic warms at a rate four times faster than the global average, the need for scientific research beneath polar ice has become increasingly urgent. The Polar Scientific Diving class, run by the Finnish Scientific Diving Academy in Kilpisjärvi, Finland, aims to equip a new generation of scientists and researchers with the skills necessary to explore these unique underwater environments. The program, which began in 2024, has expanded due to rising demand, now offering two sessions per year to train divers in the harsh conditions of the Arctic and Antarctic.

Scientists train to dive beneath polar ice as climate change warms the Arctic and AntarcticaThe Independent

Participants in the program include marine and freshwater biologists, skilled recreational divers, and documentary filmmakers. They undergo intensive training to dive under ice that can be nearly a meter thick and in water temperatures just above freezing. Erik Wurz, a marine biologist and instructor for the class, emphasized the necessity of human divers, stating, “Because it is melting so fast, we need to have more people deployed there — more science to be done — to understand better what happens.” This hands-on approach is crucial, as traditional methods like dragging nets can damage delicate ecosystems.

Scientists train to dive beneath polar ice as climate change warms the Arctic and Antarctica

During a recent session, divers like Daan Jacobs and Caroline Chen described their experiences beneath the ice. Jacobs, a biodiversity adviser, noted, “The view is beautiful,” after surfacing from a dive that took him 8 meters below the surface. Chen highlighted the surreal beauty of the underwater landscape, saying, “It looks insane from the bottom up,” as sunlight streamed through the ice. However, the conditions are challenging, with divers facing extreme cold and the risk of frostbite for their support teams.

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The melting polar ice caps have significant global implications, including rising sea levels and disrupted ocean ecosystems. The training provided by the Finnish Scientific Diving Academy not only prepares divers for immediate research needs but also aims to raise awareness about the urgency of studying these environments. Simon Morley, a marine biologist from the British Antarctic Survey, stressed the importance of human involvement in this research, stating that divers can collect multiple specimens without harming the surrounding habitat.

Scientists train to dive beneath polar ice as climate change warms the Arctic and Antarctica

The Finnish Scientific Diving Academy's initiative is a response to the pressing need for more research on climate change's impact on polar ecosystems. Instructors and participants alike advocate for increased scientific exploration to better understand and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Scientists train to dive beneath polar ice as climate change warms the Arctic and Antarctica

While the program has received support for its goals, some critics argue that the urgency surrounding climate change research can lead to oversimplification of complex ecological issues. They caution against the potential for sensationalism in communicating the impacts of climate change, urging a balanced approach to scientific discourse.

Grist

• “The view is beautiful.” — Daan Jacobs, Biodiversity Adviser

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• “We have to do more and we need to be fast to save this unique ecosystem in the Arctic, but also the Antarctic.” — Erik Wurz, Marine Biologist

The Independent

• “It looks insane from the bottom up,” — Caroline Chen, Scientific Diver

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The Polar Scientific Diving class represents a critical step in addressing the challenges posed by climate change, equipping future scientists with the skills necessary to explore and understand the rapidly changing polar environments.

Scientists train to dive beneath polar ice as climate change warms the Arctic and Antarctica