26/01/2026
Antarctica - A Changing Continent
Antarctica is one of the critical parts of the Earth’s climate system.
Paul Cooper has first-hand knowledge of Antarctica, and the ways in which it is changing. He worked on Antarctic mapping, glaciology and geophysics (and many other topics!), starting in 1979 until he retired in 2011. He first worked at the Scott Polar Research Institute, where he participated in the publication of the first generally accurate map of Antarctica in 1984. In 1988 he moved to British Antarctic Survey, and from 1994 until he retired in 2011 was responsible for a major international map resource for Antarctica (www.add.scar.org), which he took through many revisions, becoming steadily more accurate and detailed.
In addition, Paul has published papers on climate change in Antarctica, and worked alongside other scientists to see how Antarctica is responding to climate change. Through former colleagues, he is in touch with current research.
There is enough ice in Antarctica to make sea level rise by over 50m, though that would take thousands of years! But some parts of Antarctica are responding more rapidly, and these could cause sea-level rises of 1-2m by the end of the century.
This means that the reclaimed land of Hong Kong is likely to be affected! Paul’s home, although 40km from the nearest sea, is about 4m above sea level, so he has a personal interest!
Both British Antarctic Survey and Scott Polar Research Institute are acknowledged world leaders in Polar science.
Come and join us:
Date: Sunday 1 February
Time : 2 - 3:30pm
Venue : Kowloon Union Church, 4 Jordan Road
Register here https://forms.gle/fVV5HPnAUuzfVDXP9