the explorers journal the climate change issue - The Explorers Club

the explorers journal
fall 2007
president’s letter
A pivotal point in our history
During our successful 2007 Explorers Club Annual Dinner, which
highlighted major advances in polar exploration, Paul Andrew Mayewski
gave a captivating presentation on climate change in Greenland. In the
weeks that followed, I could not help but think about the topic, knowing
that so many members of our Club have been involved in climate change
research. Among our members are some of the world’s most recognized
experts in the fields of atmospheric science, oceanography, geochemistry,
glaciology, underwater filmmaking, and polar exploration—fields
of science crucial to our understanding of Earth’s ecosystems and the
ongoing causes of global warming. Given the importance of the subject,
I began to discuss the idea of honoring those explorers and scientists
on the forefront of climate change research at this year’s Lowell Thomas
Awards Dinner with as many members as I could. The response I received
was overwhelmingly enthusiastic.
This summer, our members carried Explorers Club Flag N o 42 aboard
the Russian MIR submersible that became the first manned underwater
device to reach “The Real North Pole”—landing on the seabed some four
kilometers below the ice at 90° N. As many of you are aware from the
press, there is the political debate over this expedition, and because of
the political controversy that surrounds this subject as well as our dinner
topic, I think it is important to point out that according to our Club’s
bylaws, we take no stand on politics.
As your president, I take pride in celebrating the accomplishments of
our fellow members. This new first is an achievement for us as well as
the mission of the Club. Congratulations to Frederik Paulsen, Michael
McDowell, and Anatoly Sagalevitch.
Please accept my personal invitation to enjoy a fabulous and informative
evening on Thursday, October 18th, at Cipriani Wall Street, and
help us honor the work of fellow explorers Richard Feely, Ph.D., W.
Berry Lyons, Ph.D., Paul A. Mayewski, Ph.D., Julie Palais, Ph.D., Adam
Ravetch, Sarah Robertson, Susan Solomon, Ph.D., and Will Steger.
Invitations are still available online at www.explorers.org. Seating is
limited and reservations will be taken on a first-come first-served basis.
Rob Jutson, dinner chair, his entire committee, and I look forward to
seeing you there.
Lowell Thomas Awards Dinner
EXPLORINGCLIMATECHANGE
THE PRESIDENT, DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, OF THE
EXPLORERS CLUB & ROLEX WATCH USA,INC.SALUTE
THE 2007 LOWELL THOMAS AWARD WINNERS.
Richard A. Feely, Ph.D.
W. Berry Lyons, Ph.D. FN’92
Paul A. Mayewski, Ph.D. FN’78
Julie M. Palais, Ph.D. FN’03
Sarah Robertson and Adam Ravetch FN’95
Susan Solomon, Ph.D.
Daniel A. Bennett
Will C. Steger FN’85