Eric Pomaika'i Gee

In 16 years, the world decides whether to open Antarctica to mining—or preserve it forever. I'm Eric Pōmaikaʻi Gee, and I've been selected as one of two Villars Fellows for the Ice Station Expedition this December. I need your help to get there! THE STAKES This December, I'll join polar explorer and environmentalist Robert Swan at Union Glacier, 600 miles from the South Pole. Swan was the first person to walk to both poles, and now he's training the next generation before a critical decision: In 2041, the Antarctic Treaty comes up for review. World leaders will decide whether to keep the mining ban or open Antarctica to natural resource extraction. This expedition will be the first to broadcast live from Antarctica to schools worldwide, showcasing renewable energy technology working in extreme conditions. HEY, HI, ALOHA! I'm a sophomore at University of Hawai'i Mānoa studying International Business and Finance with a minor in Political Science. I'm third-generation Chinese American, born and raised in Hawaiʻi, the first U.S. state to commit to 100% renewable energy. My priorities are rooted in community and culture, from civic service to celebrating Chinese lion dance traditions across Hawaiʻi. I've been appointed by Governor Josh Green to the State Youth Commission and by Mayor Roth as founding chair of our Hawai'i County Youth Commission. I was featured in a documentary series, Roadtrip Nation, that aired on PBS, reaching 80+ million households. Now, the Villars Institute has selected me as a Fellow for their Ice Station Expedition. Growing up in Hawaiʻi, I've witnessed climate change firsthand. What happens in Antarctica doesn't stay there—melting ice means rising seas for our islands and impacts communities around the world. THE EXPEDITION This expedition will be the first to broadcast live from Antarctica to schools worldwide, showcasing renewable energy working at -40°F. While there, I’ll also be engaged in a series of projects focused on climate science, renewable systems, and global youth education as well as eDNA sample collection. After returning, I'll share these experiences through presentations, social media, and community events. The goal is simple: to help people understand why the 2041 decision matters and how they can be part of it. WHAT I NEED While on-the-ground expedition costs are covered, I need to fund my airfare travel to/from Hawaiʻi and some required clothing and gear for Antarctic conditions. Goal: $5,000 - Airfare: $3,000 (Honolulu → Chile → Honolulu) - Arctic clothing, gear and tech: estimated $2,000 I appreciate non-cash donations/loans of gear and equipment and will be looking at used clothing stores online for polar/winter clothing. Your help is appreciated in any way you are able. Any surplus funds will be donated to the 2041 Foundation, a 501c3, to support continued climate education efforts. YOUR IMPACT - All supporters receive: Name/acknowledgment in video recap Expedition video diary access - Donors of $1,000 or more receive: Zoom presentation for your group YOUR SUPPORT This is about more than one trip. It's about preparing my generation for decisions that will shape our planet's future. In 2041, I'll be 35, old enough to be part of that decision-making process. This is my generation's fight. Your support helps me bring necessary perspectives to this critical conversation to protect 10% of the Earth's surface. Antarctica is the only place on Earth we still have the power to preserve entirely. No one owns Antarctica. It belongs to all of us. Mahalo nui loa for your support! Eric "It's not every day we get the chance to save a continent." —Robert Swan Images from 2041 Foundation. Can't wait to share my own!