South Pole

This episode explores an ambitious initiative to grant Antarctica legal rights as a distinct entity within international law. A representative from Antarctic Rights discusses how the movement aims to secure a unique legal status for Antarctica, allowing it to be represented in global policy spaces. Topics include the philosophical framework of Earth jurisprudence, the shortcomings of the current Antarctic Treaty, and how a rights-based approach could reshape global environmental law. This conversation also dives into proposed protections and explores the challenges of determining what’s truly in Antarctica’s best interest.Episode Guest: Cormac CullinanLearn more about Cormac Cullinan hereLearn more about Antarctic Rights hereGet involved with Antarctic Rights hereLearn more about Wild Law hereEpisode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media WebsiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Nela Ruiz

In this episode of South Pole, host Clark Marchese dives into the science of paleoclimatology and the fascinating world of ice cores with Dr. Tas van Ommen, an Antarctic climate scientist from the University of Tasmania. Ice cores, described as time capsules, contain some of the oldest Earth system records, revealing invaluable data about past climate conditions, atmospheric composition, and even ancient air trapped within tiny bubbles. Together, Clark and Dr. van Ommen explore how ice cores can help us understand natural climate cycles, inform climate models, and shape current environmental policies, such as drought management in Australia. This episode sheds light on how Antarctic research contributes to our understanding of climate change and highlights the urgency of climate action.Episode Guest: Dr. Tas van OmmenFind more on Dr. van Ommen here.Follow Dr. van Ommen on XFind Dr. van Ommen’s publications here. Episode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media WebsiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Nela Ruiz

In this episode, we sink our teeth into the Antarctic food web with marine ecologist Dr. Jose Xavier. Dr. Xavier, an expert in predator-prey interactions in the Southern Ocean, shares his insights on the complex relationships between species like penguins, squid, and krill. The conversation explores how biodiversity supports ecosystem resilience and how climate change threatens these delicate food webs. Dr. Xavier also discusses his research on squid beaks, the impact of climate change on top predators, and how marine protected areas can help safeguard the region. Tune in for a fascinating look at the Antarctic ecosystem, how it's changing, and what can be done to protect it.Episode Guest: Dr. Jose XavierFind more on Dr. Xavier here.Read Dr. Xavier’s Blog here. Episode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media WebsiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Nela Ruiz

In this episode of South Pole, we explore the use of satellite imagery to track Weddell seals and Emperor penguins in Antarctica. Dr. Michelle LaRue, a leading researcher in the field, explains how high-resolution imagery from space provides crucial insights into these marine predators' populations, habitats, and behaviors. We dive into the challenges of studying wildlife remotely, the surprises in population estimates, and the innovative Satellites Over Seals (SOS) project. Tune in to discover how this technology is shaping our understanding of Antarctic ecosystems and its potential for future research and conservation efforts.Episode Guest: Dr. Michelle LaRueFind more on Dr. LaRue at the University of Canterbury Visit Dr. LaRue’s websiteFind Dr. LaRue’s children’s book, Emperor Penguin (Young Zoologist)Episode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media WebsiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Nela Ruiz

In this episode of South Pole, we learn about sea level rise with Dr. Heiko Goelzer, an expert in ice sheet modeling at the Norwegian Research Center, to explore the dynamics of Antarctica's ice sheets and their contribution to rising sea levels. The conversation delves into the differences between ice sheets, ice shelves, sea ice, and icebergs, while addressing the potential 57-meter sea-level rise if all Antarctic ice melted. Dr. Goelzer explains the complex climate tipping points related to ice sheets and the future scenarios of climate change. The episode offers insights into the latest research on ice loss and how it might affect global coastlines, while emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change.Episode Guest: Dr. Heiko GoelzerFind more on Dr. Goelzer here. Browse Dr. Goelzer’s publications on Google Scholar. Sea Level Rise Projection Reports: Climate.govNOAASea Level Rise Projection ToolsNASANOAAYouTube video explaining total Antarctic ice sheet meltEpisode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media WebsiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Nela Ruiz

Join us on South Pole as we explore the adventures of Lincoln Ellsworth, the first person to fly across Antarctica. Author Jeff Maynard shares insights from his book, "Antarctica's Lost Aviator," revealing Ellsworth's pioneering spirit, personal challenges, and the significant yet overlooked contributions to antarctic exploration. Discover the fascinating interplay of adventure, historical context, and queer history in this captivating episode. Listen in as we delve into the life of an extraordinary explorer who pushed the boundaries of human and aeronautical capability. Tune in to learn about Ellsworth's journey, his achievements, and his lasting impact on the history of Antarctica.Episode Guest: Jeff MaynardVisit Jeff Maynard’s websiteFind Jeff Maynard’s book, Antarctica’s Lost AviatorFind Jeff Maynard’s other books Episode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media WebsiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Nela Ruiz

In this episode of South Pole, host Clark Marchese interviews Dr. Soledad Leonardi, a parasitologist at the National Research Council in Argentina, about her research on the fascinating interactions between elephant seals and seal lice in Antarctica. They discuss the coevolution of these species, the role of seal lice in disease transmission, and how these parasites have adapted to the extreme conditions of the Southern Ocean. Dr. Leonardi also shares insights into how climate change could impact this delicate relationship and the broader Antarctic ecosystem. Tune in to learn about the unique challenges and discoveries in studying one of the few marine insects in the world.Episode Guest: Dr. Soledad LeonardiBrowse Dr. Soledad Leonardi’s publications hereFollow Dr. Soledad Leonardi on X More information about the National Research Council Argentina hereEpisode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media WebsiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Nela Ruiz

This episode delves into the intriguing world of astrophysics and cosmic research in Antarctica. Featuring Dr. Jim Madsen, interim director of the Wisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center, the episode explores the fascinating work of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory. Discover the differences between astronomy and astrophysics, the significance of neutrinos, and the unique advantages of conducting cosmic research at the South Pole. Dr. Madsen shares insights on how studying these high-energy particles from space helps us understand the universe better, despite the logistical challenges and extreme conditions of Antarctica. Tune in for a captivating journey into the depths of astrophysical science.Episode Guest: Dr. Jim MadsenMore information about Dr. Jim Madsen here Explore the IceCube website. Follow IceCube on XEpisode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media WebsiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Nela Ruiz