Action for the Arctic: Sea Women Expedition 2022

Hello! I am passionate about the natural world. And in 2022 I have decided to take positive action for climate change. This November (a few weeks from now!) I have set myself an epic challenge: I will be volunteering on the all-female Sea Women Expeditions to Arctic Norway to study how the Ocean is responding to Climate Change. We will be bracing the freezing conditions in Norway's arctic Fjords above the Arctic Circle, to winter snorkel during the winter herring run....read on to find out Why I'm doing this, how you can get involved, and what's in it for you, and wider society.

Cover Photo of orcas and winter snorkellers is courtesy of expedition partner Waterproof cruises & expeditions and copyright of Jens Wildstrom - Wildlife photography

Why am I doing this?

The Arctic Ocean is warming at more than twice the rate of the rest of the planet. It is a 'hotspot' for understanding climate change, with changes at the remote poles ultimately affecting us all. The SeaWomen expedition will take crucial observations to assess how marine ecosystems, including whale and orca populations, are changing.

But this is not your average expedition. SeaWomen aims to change the Arctic and Climate Change conversation through concrete community action. With 40 women from diverse backgrounds, we will connect scientific research with art, communication, STE(A)M education, leadership and more! The aim? To create women leaders, explorers and changemakers that create a ripple effect, inspiring society to connect and value our Ocean and to make positive changes towards a more sustainable future.

Are you ready to dive with me?

This expedition is not cheap, given the remote location, expedition vessel, scientific sampling, snorkelling/diving and medical evacuation insurance, and travel and transit hotels. Many of us (including myself) are taking unpaid leave from our regular jobs to volunteer because we believe so passionately in the cause.

I pledge to personally fund at least 25% (>1500 Euro) of the expedition costs myself. Can you help me to raise the rest through crowdfunding?

What can I give back? In the weeks before the expedition I will be using my personal social media channels to explain and inspire you all about the expedition and its wider relevance, through science writing (and some music!). During the expedition, I will join fellow SeaWomen to share facts, stories and the odd Orca image, reaching out also to schools near and far. And in the months after the expedition, I also pledge to dedicate my free time to organizing outreach and ocean literacy activities connecting science, music and art to inspire others from my local community to our shared global community to BE THE CHANGE!

With SeaWomen we are also dedicated to finding ways to offset any carbon towards a carbon-neutral expedition. Watch this space for more information.

Thank you for reading my story and in advance for supporting me!

You can follow my activities and contact me through social media:

Twitter: @larkin_kate

Instagram: kate.larkin.1272

Facebook: For my current friends community (or send me an invite to connect!)