Princess Elisabeth Antarctica, the first Zero Emission polar research station, was officially inaugurated five years ago, on the 15th of February 2009. In this video, we look back on those five years of scientific research and operations in the extreme environment of Antarctica and look at what lies ahead for the station.We start with the birth of that adventure, the zero emission concept and the unique public / private partnership that made it possible for the station to become an international reference point, both in terms of environmental management and support of polar science.We then have a closer look at the Belgian and international scientific projects taking place at Princess Elisabeth Antarctica and at the logistical and operational support given to them by the International Polar Foundation as the appointed Belgian Antarctic Operator.Finally, we look at what lies ahead for Princess Elisabeth Antarctica in the coming five years and beyond.

Check out this cool 360 degree panoramic view of Antarctica’s incredible landscape, featuring the revolutionary zero emission Princess Elisabeth Antarctica research station.A nunatak (from Inuit nunataq) is an exposed, often rocky element of a ridge, mountain, or peak not covered with ice or snow within (or at the edge of) an ice field or glacier. (Wikipedia)

Liisa Holmberg, Rector of the Sámi Education Institute, talks about challenges Sámi face today, regulations that affect their livelihoods, and Sámi representation on an EU level.

In this short GoPro video, Jacques Touchette - our favourite Canadian joiner - films the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica tech team getting to grips with the annual "spring cleaning": clearing massive amounts of snow accumulated during winter, servicing the vehicles and starting up the station's systems.

Peter Wadhams, Professor of Ocean Physics and Head of the Polar Ocean Physics Group in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physic at the University of Cambridge, looks at sea ice models, how to improve them, and how to improve the quality of the IPCC’s assessment reports.

Michael Byers, Canada Research Chair in Global Politics and International Law at the University of British Columbia (UBC), offers his thoughts on climate change and economic development in the Arctic.

On December 1st, Princess Elisabeth Antarctica participated in “Antarctica Day” in celebration of Antarctic Treaty’s signature. Fifty kids from around the world sent us flags they made in the hope of seeing them in Antarctica. Here they are!

Reggie Joule, Mayor of Alaska’s Northwest Arctic Borough, talks about the challenges and opportunities in his part of the Arctic.

Gordon McBean, President of the Canadian Climate Forum, addresses the gap between the scientific, economic and policymaking communities on the issue of climate change.