In a world where the climate emergency has become an undeniable reality, the preservation of the poles and glaciers is a major issue. Faced with the accelerated melting of ice and rising water levels, scientists are sounding the alarm and calling for action. It is in this context that an international summit was held in Paris, resulting in a call for the poles and glaciers.
This appeal, signed by around thirty States, aims to raise awareness and mobilize the international community to protect these fragile and precious spaces. French President Emmanuel Macron spoke at the summit to announce a major investment in polar research. Indeed, France is committed to investing one billion euros by 2030 to support research and development of solutions to preserve the poles and glaciers.
This investment will notably allow the construction of a new “ice-capable” vessel, which will be able to navigate in polar waters and contribute to various research and study missions on glaciers. This ship, named in honor of former Prime Minister Michel Rocard, will be based between Nouméa and Hobart and will actively participate in scientific research in the polar regions.
In addition to the construction of this ship, the envelope of one billion euros will also be allocated to other important initiatives, such as the Polar Pod, a project led by explorer Jean-Louis Étienne, and the Arctic Station supported by the Tara Foundation. France is also planning the reconstruction of its Dumont d’Urville station in Antarctica, as well as renovation work on the Franco-Italian Concordia station, in compliance with the strictest environmental standards.
Through these commitments, France wishes to strengthen international cooperation and encourage scientific collaboration to better understand the issues linked to the poles and glaciers. This is an “unprecedented” and “civilizational” challenge, as President Macron underlined, who calls for making the poles and glaciers spaces of peace and cooperation.
In conclusion, the protection of the poles and glaciers is a major topical subject, which requires awareness and concrete actions. The appeal launched at the Paris summit and France’s investment of one billion euros in polar research are strong signals in favor of the preservation of these fragile ecosystems. Now is the time to act, cooperate and find sustainable solutions to protect the poles and glaciers, which reflect our commitment to the planet.