Prince Albert’s trip to Antarctica was planned some while ago, but the timing has been unfortunate.
Prince Albert left Monaco shortly after the announcement that the new land extension – Princess Grace Island – had been abandoned, to the fury of some ordinary Monégasques who felt they had been strung along to believe new housing for them would be incorporated in the plans. The rumblings on the streets of Monte Carlo were that the plans to build the island might have been too expensive because of Prince Albert’s obsession with the environment, and the island having to be seen to be environmentally friendly - it allegedly might not have happened if his father was still in charge…
Some scientists claim Antarctica appears to be melting – and Prince Albert is doing his part to try and stop it.
It’s another attempt in Albert’s campaign to raise awareness about the impact of global warming. Antarctica is primarily composed of ice. Ninety eight percent of the continent is frozen. The fact that 70 percent of the entire world’s fresh water stores lie frozen within that ice covering has scientists worried. A major meltdown could lead to a rise of 60 metres in sea levels and a severe loss of fresh water.
Prince Albert took up the cause of global warming when he became Monaco’s sovereign in 2005. One of his first official appointments in defence of the environment was as UN International Patron of the Year of the Dolphin in 2007. He represented the voice of the United Nations Convention on Migratory Species, which declared 2007 as the year to highlight the plight of the dolphin.
Dolphins are an important part of the marine ecosystem. The eradication of the dolphin is likely to lead to the eradication of numerous other marine species. The implications could be catastrophic. Prince Albert launched the Year of the Dolphin with a promise to ‘renew [his] firm commitment towards biodiversity.’
Prince Albert left Monaco in early January to witness first hand the complications of global warming. He plans to visit a total of 26 scientific outposts during his month long visit. Consultation with climate change experts from 18 different countries is also on his agenda. Scientists hope that the prince will use his influence to help bring about change and preservation in Antarctica, seriously overestimating just how much influence Prince Albert has outside of Monaco.
The world’s coldest continent is home to just a small handful of humans. Most are scientists and researchers studying everything from geology, to biology, to climate and weather. Up to 5,000 researchers staff Antarctica’s outposts and research centers, depending on the season. Prince Albert’s visit will undoubtedly be a welcome and warm visit in the frigid region.
The most important residents of the continent are its unique flora and fauna, along with its oxygen-breathing species like seals and penguins. Should a major meltdown occur in Antarctica, the results could be catastrophic for such species.
Monaco became the 47th signatory of the Antarctic Treaty in May of 2008. The Antarctic Treaty is an agreement between nations to protect the interests of Antarctica, the world’s only continent with no native human population.
Prince Albert undertook a similar expedition in 2006 when he left Monaco and Monte Carlo’s Casino Square to visit the North Pole. His visit to Antarctica appears to be further evidence of his commitment to the environment.
Prince Albert will no doubt continue on his quest to curb global warming. Royal watchers and environmentalists continue to carefully monitor his influence and speculate where he might turn up next on his campaign trail to save the world.
