Changing Course featured in The Straits Times

Republished from The Straits Times: Original article here.

Striking lesson from Antarctica thunder

It was just a few days into a two-week expedition to Antarctica when Miss Jessica Cheam heard what she thought was the loudest thunder in her lifetime. It turned out to be the sound of a giant iceberg sinking.

“The sound was so loud and everyone on the ship was really taken aback,” she told The Straits Times. “To witness an iceberg sinking right before your eyes was a really unforgettable moment for all of us.

“We hear about climate change all the time but when you really see such an event happening, it really strikes you,” she added.

Miss Cheam, 34, was part of an expedition involving about 90 people from around the world who journeyed to Antarctica to learn more about the continent and understand why its fate is tied to humanity’s.

Aimed at raising awareness about the global climate crisis and the urgent need to shift to more sustainable ways of living, the March expedition was led by Sir Robert Swan, 61, the British environmentalist and explorer who was the first man to walk to both the North and South Poles.

On Monday, an exhibition entitled “Changing Course”, featuring about 70 photos and a short film documentary on the group’s journey, was launched at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. It was organised by Eco-Business, which describes itself as a leading digital media company serving the Asia-Pacific’s clean technology, smart cities, responsible business and sustainable development community. Miss Cheam is its founder and managing editor.

Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli, who was guest of honour at the official opening of the exhibition, told the 150 people present that images had an important role to play in fighting climate change.

He said: “When used well, a bold image and film can provoke deep reflection and help drive across climate change issues and messages far more effectively than words.”

The minister also called on individuals, industries and households to join the Government in playing an active role to tackle climate change, saying: “Every positive step, no matter how small, will contribute to a sustainable future for Singapore. I encourage everyone to do your part for climate action, for us and our future generations.”

The event also celebrated United Nations World Environment Day, which is on June 5 every year . The free exhibition is on until July 12.

Republished from The Straits Times: Original article here.

Photo exhibition and documentary on Antarctica journey launched to showcase climate change

SINGAPORE – It was midway into a two-week expedition to Antarctica when Miss Jessica Cheam heard what she thought was the loudest thunder in her lifetime. It turned out to be the sound of a giant iceberg sinking.

“The sound was so loud and everyone on the ship was really taken aback,” she told The Straits Times.

She added: “To witness an iceberg sinking right before your eyes was a really unforgettable moment for all of us.

“We hear about climate change all the time but when you really see such an event happening, it really strikes you.”

Miss Cheam, 34, was part of an expedition involving about 90 people from around the world who journeyed to the Antarctica to learn more about the continent and understand why its fate is tied to humanity’s. The expedition was aimed at raising awareness about the global climate crisis and the urgent need to shift to more sustainable ways of living.

It took place in March and was led by Sir Robert Swan, 61, the British environmentalist and explorer who was the first man to walk to both the North and South Poles.

On Monday (June 4) , an exhibition entitled “Changing Course”, featuring about 70 photos and a short film documentary on the group’s journey, was launched at the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

The exhibition was organised by Eco-Business, which describes itself as a leading digital media company serving the Asia-Pacific’s clean technology, smart cities, responsible business and sustainable development community. Miss Cheam is its founder and managing editor.

Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli, who was present as the guest of honour for the official opening of the exhibition, told the 150 people who turned up that images had an important role to play in fighting climate change.

He said: “When used well, a bold image and film can provoke deep reflection and help drive across climate change issues and messages far more effectively than words.”

The event also celebrated United Nations World Environment Day, which is on June 5 every year .

The exhibition at the Green Pavilion at the Singapore Botanic Gardens will be on until July 12 and is free.