Editorial
With the sharpest of frosts we've experienced in the UK this winter
2008/09, we could be forgiven for thinking that climate warming is a
just a myth. Jennifer Smith, who lives and works on the north coast
of Alaska, assures us that it is a matter of grave concern, nowhere
more evident than in the habitat of the polar bear. Her article 'Polar
Bears on the Edge' tells us what it's like filming in the harsh arctic
conditions, and begs the question 'what if' they don't survive'?
From two of our readers, Bernadette Hince and Ken Catford, we have
some excellent book reviews. Bernadette revisits the issue of climate
change, and looks at the polar history of the Norwegians, whilst Ken
concentrates on polar biographies. All four books should be available
through good bookshops, otherwise follow the publishers' links that
are given next to the cover images.
Talking of history, veteran antarctican Michael Gilkes takes us back
to the days when Leith Harbour, South Georgia, was a bustling whaling
station and he a young doctor. In his inimitable style he captures the
atmosphere of days long gone. As a contrast to Michael's story, Paul
Acke has kindly allowed us to illustrate it with a present-day photo
of the waterfront - where the predominant colours are rust.
See also our review of the new DVD Polar Bears of Arctic Alaska,
and don't forget to check out our Events page if you are in, or likely
to visit, the UK. The Scott Polar Research Institute in Cambridge is
hosting "Inuit on Celluloid" this spring, a series of films
devoted to Inuit culture.
Because of the success of our Summer 2008 edition, we have added 'Art'
to the list of menu items and hope to bring more art-related articles
to you in the future. Any contributions welcome!
Thank you to everyone who has generously given their time and efforts
to this edition of Polar Worlds, and to those readers who have
e-mailed us with their words of encouragement.
Solveig Gardner Servian
FRAI, FRGS
Editor
New for this edition:
Polar Bears on the Edge
An Episode of Legal History
Polar history
and climate change books reviewed
by Bernadette Hince
Polar biographies reviewed by Ken
Catford
DVD Review: Polar Bears of Arctic Alaska
Events
Deb:
Geographer, Scientist, Antarctic Explorer
The biography of Frank Debenham. He
was one of the youngest members of Scott's last expedition and the founder
of the Scott Polar Research Institute in Cambridge. This is an interesting
and entertaining book that anyone connected with the polar world will
want to have on their bookshelf. Click on the cover for a full description
and how to order.