KZN scientist to talk in Dubai on global warming
FROM the icy wastes of Marion Island to the balmy tropics of the Indian Ocean, KZN marine scientist Nasreen Khan remains in demand.
Having recently returned from the Seychelles, she is now off to an informal Polar Science gathering in Dubai from February 5-7, where she will talk on her own research.
Khan, 30, of Ladysmith spent 13 months in the sub-antarctic, under the University of Pretoria’s Marion Island Marine Mammal Programme.
“I will also speak on my trip to the Antarctic marginal ice zone, working in collaboration with Oceans and Coasts (Department of Environmental Affairs) and Birdlife SA.”
The Dubai meeting will bring together scientists, explorers, business people and journalists to create positive changes to the problem of global warming.
Khan said she was particularly excited at the prospect of rubbing shoulders with people of the calibre of Børge Ousland, the legendary Norwegian polar explorer from the Icelegacy project.
Ousland started his career as a Norwegian Navy Special Forces officer and in 1994 made the first solo and unsupported journey to the North Pole from Cape Arkticheskaya in Russia.
“The Icelegacy project exploration of the world’s glaciers is to help create a visual example of what’s happening on the ground and collect samples for scientists.
“They help with better understanding glaciers which are in fast decline due to temperature rise, causing a threat of long-term sea level rise. This is of major concern because the glaciers are sources of fresh water for millions of people worldwide.”
Khan said the conservation of “remote untouched pieces of land” (with glaciers) needed polar explorers to help scientists and policymakers find solutions to the environmental crisis.
She is also eager to meet Ibrahim Sharaf, a business mogul from the United Arab Emirates.
“He has been to both the North and South Poles on various occasions. He has a keen interest in environmental issues and helps generate support and awareness on a global scale through various Corporate Social Responsibilities initiatives.”
Her sister, Gulshan
Khan – a writer and photojournalist for AFP – will be accompanying her.