Antarctica’s Future is Our Future, with Dr. Mark Brandon
A photo of Port Lockroy taken during Dr. Tiffany Vora’s voyage to Antarctica in November 2023.
“First you fall in love with Antarctica, and then it breaks your heart.” That’s what renowned science-fiction writer Kim Stanley Robinson wrote about the White Continent.
I discovered the truth of that quote firsthand when I journeyed to Antarctica in late 2023.
There’s no other way to put it: Antarctica is astonishing. It is home to stunning glaciers, a dramatic coastline, and diverse wildlife. But while this remote continent may seem far removed from daily life, what happens there impacts us all.
As climate change accelerates, Antarctica's fragile environment hangs in the balance. And the outlook is not good—for that delicate ecosystem and for the rest of our planet.
Nonetheless, I believe that we are in a unique moment in history when exponential technologies and our communities of passionate, creative minds can together be a powerful force for turning the tide against climate change. This belief is what inspired me to join Homeward Bound, a global community of women and non-binary people in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine (STEMM) who work toward a sustainable future.
Insights from Dr. Mark Brandon
A photo of Dr. Mark Brandon during Tiffany’s voyage to Antarctica in 2023. Image taken by Christelle Auguste
To my delight, our 2023 Homeward Bound leadership immersion challenge in Antarctica included several world-leading polar experts. One of them was polar oceanographer Dr. Mark Brandon, of the Open University, UK. If you’ve seen BBC Frozen Planet, hosted by Sir David Attenborough, then you’ve had a taste of Mark’s public-facing work. I’m actually overwhelmed by his accomplishments—MBE, The Polar Medal, an important voice at COP and the World Economic Forum. And more!
Mark is one of the most modest people I’ve ever met. He is also devastatingly realistic about our planet’s future … and armed with the data to convince us.
A Series on Antarctica’s Future
In addition to a few weeks at sea chatting about penguins and our respective kids, I convinced Mark to sit down with me for an exclusive interview about his work and his vision for the future. I’ll be sharing his insights in my next few posts. Here’s what’s in store:
Part 1: Antarctica Is Changing, and So Must We
Part 2: How Tech (and Business) Can Help Antarctica—And Our Future
Part 3: Sustainable Futures: Resilience and Courage Required
Catalyzing a Sustainable Future
I hope that you fall in love with Antarctica, like I have.
I hope that your heart breaks when your eyes open to the changes that are on the way.
And I hope that you also come to believe Kim Stanley Robinson’s further insight that “if the world fails, business fails.”
Together, we can not only adapt to the future that is coming. We can make decisions today to help build a better future, one in which humans thrive in peace and prosperity—while safeguarding our planet and its marvels for generations to come.
Stay tuned for insights from my far-ranging conversation with Dr. Mark Brandon about Antarctica and its global impacts. In my next post, we’ll explore how we can navigate the damaging changes that are already locked into our future.
About Tiffany
Dr. Tiffany Vora speaks, writes, and advises on how to harness technology to build the best possible future(s). She is an expert in biotech, health, & innovation.
After a 19-day voyage to Antarctica aboard The Island Sky in November 2023, Dr. Tiffany Vora has many remarkable stories to share & a wealth of insights to catalyze a sustainable future.
She also still has some fees (and carbon offsets) to cover. You can support her ongoing journey by donating through this link. Your support will spread positive impact around the world, empower Tiffany to protect time for impact-focused projects, and support travel for pro bono events with students & nonprofits.
For a full list of topics and ways to collaborate, visit Tiffany’s Work Together webpage.
