Support for the scientific expedition on climate change led by Jean-Louis Étienne at the North Pole  [ Return towards  Scientific research in Environment  ]

The Arctic’s extreme sensitivity to climate change makes it a testing zone for climate evolution. The data acquired on this region plays a major role in the knowledge of our planet’s climate.

The expedition “Generali Arctic Observer” led by Jean-Louis Étienne will provide new measurements on the composition of the atmosphere above the North Pole. Onboard a helium-filled balloon, Jean-Louis Étienne will undertake, in April 2010, a 15-day crossing above the Arctic Ocean. During this crossing, he will conduct two simultaneous scientific measurement campaigns: the first will be a measurement of the content of CO2 and aerosols in the atmosphere in an area that has no emissions. The data collected will permit a better understanding of the carbon cycle on our planet and the improvement of simulation models on climate evolution. The second campaign will focus on the measurement of the earth’s magnetic field.

 

The Air Liquide Foundation is supporting this expedition by notably supplying helium to fill the balloon and oxygen, which will enable the explorer to breathe normally during the high altitude flight phases.

This partnership is in line with the extension of corporate philanthropy actions carried out in the past by the Air Liquide Group. Air Liquide has supported Jean-Louis Étienne on several occasions by providing him with the gases and equipment needed for his expeditions:

•  in 2002, “Mission Banquise”: drifting for three months on the North Pole ice pack, onboard the Polar Observer in the framework of a research and information program on climate change.
• in 2005, “Expédition Clipperton”: an inventory of biodiversity and conditions of the marine environment of the Clipperton atoll in the Pacific Ocean.

 

> Press Release

> Expedition’s Internet site