Category Archives: Culture

NASA and Partners Fund New Climate Impact Studies on Species and Ecosystems

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NASA is partnering with other federal agencies to fund new research and applications efforts that will bring the global view of climate from space down to Earth to benefit wildlife and key ecosystems.

NASA, the U.S. Geological Survey, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Smithsonian Institution will provide $18 million for 15 new research projects during the next four years. Organizations across the United States in academia, government and the private sector will study the response of different species and ecosystems to climate changes and develop tools to better manage wildlife and natural resources. The projects were selected from 151 proposals.

NASA’s Earth Science Division in the Science Mission Directorate has funded several ecosystem and biodiversity research projects during recent years. This is the first time the agency has targeted research investigating the intersection of climate and biological studies.

The wildlife species that will be studied include polar bears in Greenland, bowhead whales in the Arctic Ocean, and migratory birds and waterfowl in the United States. Other studies will focus on species of commercial interest such as clams, oysters and other bivalves in U.S. coastal waters, and Atlantic bluefin tuna in the Gulf of Mexico.

To learn more about climatic effects on plants, researchers will focus on the loss of cordgrass marshes in coastal wetlands of the southeastern states. They also will examine the stresses to native tree species, many of commercial value, across the western states and Canada.

“We know very little about how the majority of species and ecosystems will respond to environmental changes related to changing climates,” said Woody Turner, manager of NASA’s Ecological Forecasting program in Washington. “These projects bring together NASA’s global satellite data of the physical environment with ground-based data on specific species and ecosystems and computer modeling to detect and understand biological responses to climate. As a result, we will improve our management and mitigation of the impact of changing climate.”

The studies will use long-term observations of Earth from space, including data on sea surface temperature, vegetation cover, rainfall, snow cover, sea ice and the variability in the microscopic marine green plants that form the base of ocean food chains.

One study seeks to determine how waterfowl and forest bird populations respond to extreme events such as long-term droughts, heat waves and cold snaps. Wildlife biologists like Patricia Heglund of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in La Crosse, Wis., the leader of the study, have several hypotheses, including lower reproduction rates and adult mortality. Satellite data will be used to map the habitats and identify extreme events in the continental United States.

Another study will seek to explain why the distribution of native tree species across the western states and Canada is changing and why some species are dying as the climate becomes progressively warmer and drier. Scientists have used computer models to explain how environmental stresses have affected tree species in the Pacific Northwest. The new study, led by Richard Waring of Oregon State University in Corvallis, will extend that research to the entire Rocky Mountain west and 25 native tree species, including aspen and lodgepole pine.

A project led by Mitchell Roffer of Roffer’s Ocean Fishing Forecasting Service in West Melbourne, Fla., aims to improve existing models to predict spawning habitat of Atlantic bluefin and other migratory tunas in the Gulf of Mexico. The model will assess possible effects of future climate change scenarios on fish populations.

According to Turner, the most ambitious project in terms of scale will use a global inventory of data from about 1,000 species, merged with satellite and ground-based observations of the environment and climate. These data will be used to assess climate’s impact on biodiversity during the past 40 years in two 20-year increments. The study, led by Walter Jetz of Yale University, will focus on land-based mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

For a complete list of the new projects, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/climate_partners.html

For more information about NASA and agency programs, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov

SOURCE NASA

POKER SHUT DOWN – UPDATE

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On Wednesday there was some good news for online poker players following the shutdown last Friday. The two biggest sites in the US, Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars, came to an agreement with the United States Attorney Office for the Southern District of New York. The deal means the sites get there domains back but US players will still not be allowed to play. However the agreement means that the sites are once again open for all non-US players.

Although unable to play, many US players believe this is an important first step to getting their money back. This was affirmed by FullTilt.

‘The agreement represents an important first step towards returning funds to U.S. players because it allows Full Tilt Poker to utilize its domain to facilitate the withdrawal of player funds. But, unfortunately, there remain significant practical and legal impediments to returning funds to players in the immediate future.’

Since the shutdown, poker players have exerted a substantial amount of pressure on US politicians and many believe this is the reason for the swift agreement. Well known player Andrew Robl tweeted, ‘Part of the reason for swift return of the domains is the huge public outcry. call/email your senators etc’

We can now be hopeful that US account holders will receive their money back in the future at some point.

In a statement the US attorney for the Southern District of New York stated, ‘this Office expects the companies to return the money that U.S. players entrusted to them, and we will work with the poker companies to facilitate the return of funds to players, as today’s agreements with PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker as today’s agreement demonstrates.’

See the 2+2 thread below for the poker communities reaction to the shutdown in MS Paint form!

http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/29/news-views-gossip/mspaint-online-poker-players-before-after-1023686/

 

Have you paid for the Royal Wedding?

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It’s the Royal Wedding soon – 29 April 2011. Have you bought your tea towel? Have you paid £3 for a bottle of Kiss me Kate from your local Weatherspoons pub?

If you haven’t yet then you need to be quick, the economy needs you! If conservative estimates are correct, £1bn could be injected into the economy as a consequence of this wedding, but it needs you, the consumer, to get out over the bank holiday weekend and spend like your children’s centre or maternity unit depended on it.

Of course that doesn’t matter much because the wedding will cost £5bn to the economy anyway, making the whole occasion a loss to the tune of £4bn – hey but it’s worth it, right? It’ll be the most expensive day that the nation has taken off for a long time but who hasn’t taken a sneaky day off before at the expense of a day’s wages (and a taxation loss of a few hundred frontline police staff)?

I suppose it would be a bit rich to ask either of the families to pay up. The Middleton’s, despite much fuss being made of Kate’s maternal family lineage, which includes coal miners from Byker (as in Byker Grove, I cannae believe that man), are worth £30m. True, that wouldn’t be able to re-pay the loss to the UK economy for an extra bank holiday, but it could’ve at least contributed to the cheesey pineapple sticks and cocktail sausages.

And the other family, the Royal Family, the most Royal of all UK families. They have a bit of cash lying around to see that Kate and Bill’s special day is, er, special, don’t they? Prince Charles, through entrepreneurial ventures, is worth something close to £36m himself. And if that’s the case, why does it matter that in 2009 the Royal Family cost the taxpayer 7p more than in 2010. It’s not a saving, it’s an insult.

The Civil List, which effectively is the Government subsidy for the family (around £38m a year), pays for Royal staff and transport. The Crown Estate says that 70% of that sum goes on staffing costs. But how much do they cost, if you consider that it cost the taxpayer £14,756 for the Prince of Wales to take the Royal Train from London to Cumbria to launch a Red Squirrel Survival Trust. Or consider that it cost £85,700 in charter flights to get him and the Duchess of Cornwall to Italy and Germany in 2009.

Those are some significant staff costs.

But – a big but – they are worth every penny for the money they bring to the economy. The Crown Estate estimates £304m. It doesn’t say exactly how, and I’d love to see some breakdown figures. I’ll give it a guess though: tourism and trade. Though France doesn’t have a Monarchy, and they’re doing okay aren’t they?

Not just okay. France is the second largest economy in Europe, fifth largest in the world and has been growing consistently since 2009. Wow. France attracted 78.95 million foreign tourists in 2010, making it the most popular tourist destination in the world. Their tower – the Eiffel tower – is the most visited paid monument in the world.

So France can do international trade well, and receive tourists without making losses literally all over the place. I’m not liking the sound of this, but perhaps there is no point having a Monarchy. But how do we tell them that?

POKER PLAYERS PANIC AS FBI SEIZE POKER SITES

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Millions of poker players were sent into panic on Friday as the three major US poker sites, Poker Stars, Full Tilt and Absolute Poker went offline as they were targeted by FBI

Restraining orders were issued against five internet domain names and 75 bank accounts used by the online poker companies.

The founders of PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker, and Absolute Poker were indicted on charges of bank fraud, money laundering, and illegal gambling.

Online poker has been illegal in the US since 2006 following the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act and some sites such as party poker closed down their US operations. However the majority of big sites including Poker Stars and Full Tilt continued to operate by getting players to deposit into offshore bank accounts. Poker Stars and Full Tilt have been now been charged with money laundering (amongst other things) accused of cleaning money via transactions with fake businessess (selling golf balls, flowers and jewelery.)

Currently US players are unable to play or withdraw any funds and they are extremely worried as to whether they will be able get their money back. The amounts frozen range from a few dollars to hundreds of thousands.

Famous young poker player Tom Dwann only added to the panic by speculating on his twitter that absolute poker accounts were only worth 40 cents on the dollar and Cake poker accounts were worth 70cents. Although he did later add that he felt Pokerstars and Full Tilt accounts should be safe, he is however a member of the Full Tilt Poker team.

Some players have frantically been trying to sell their accounts. Theoretically PokerStars accounts should be safe since under Isle of Man law (where they are based) players accounts are required to be held in a trust. Whether this will prove to be the case is open to debate.

The Department of Justice is seeking 3 billion dollars in fines from the major sites. The DOJ’s statement also stated that it would seize all assets from the owners of the company, so this includes the companies themselves.

The 3 billion dollar fine has worried poker players as to whether the 3 companies will be able to remain solvent, particularly when combined with a huge spate of withdrawals, similar to that of a run on a bank. All the sites involved state that player’s money is safe.

Poker Stars stated, ‘Please be assured player balances are safe. There is no cause for concern about loss of funds in your PokerStars account. For all customers outside the US it is business as usual.

The PokerStars website has been moved to www.pokerstars.eu, and the PokerStars Support email address is now support@pokerstars.eu. PokerStars apologises to all players for any inconvenience caused by this disruption.’

The situation regarding non-US players is very unclear. Many players are still able to play as well as withdraw funds although some are not.

One panicked forum member said,

I don’t get why people are even asking if it’s only going to affect US players. If you’re outside the US you can still play but you’re basically playing for play chips because tilt and stars don’t have any money to give you if you cash out.

According to @GamblingComp, all the indicted sites, around the world, will be down within 48 hours. So far this has not proven to be the case. Non-US players are currently able to play.

Full Tilt said, ‘We assure all players on Full Tilt Poker that your online playing experience will not change and that you will be able to both deposit and withdraw funds as needed. Your money remains safe, secure, and accessible at all times.’

The Poker Players Alliance stated, “On behalf of the millions of poker players across the country, we are shocked at the action taken by the U.S. Department of Justice today against online poker companies and will continue to fight for Americans’ right to participate in the game they enjoy,” said former Senator Alfonse D’Amato, chairman of the Poker Players Alliance. “Online poker is not a crime and should not be treated as such. We are currently gathering all of the information around today’s announcement and will offer detailed analysis when the full facts become available.”

Some have speculated that the recent crackdown by the US government may be about to pave the way for a government approved site. A D.C. Internet gambling law cleared Congress just a few days ago. The law allows the D.C Lottery to create online poker and other “games of chance”.

Many US States have been calling for the legalisation  of online poker so that it might be used to raise additional tax revenues that might be used to help balance struggling state budgets.

http://washingtonexaminer.com/local/dc/2011/04/dc-internet-gambling-law-clears-congress

 

AV: Vote Yes or NO; Reasons For and Against the Alternative Vote

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I’ll be honest this AV debate has me confused and I’m usually pretty certain of where I stand on things. I started off thinking that I was going to vote no but some friends of mine made a strong case to vote yes. So I’m writing this article to help my own thought process and hopefully yours as well.

I’m not going to explain the whole system in detail. With AV instead of having just one vote you have the option but not obligation to also vote for a 2nd, 3rd, 4th etc. preference.

Reasons For and Against

Argument For – More voter choice

The main argument for AV is that it gives voters more choice. Instead of just voting for your first choice you can also indicate you’re second choice and more if you wish. This makes it more likely the candidate will achieve a majority share of the vote.  The argument goes that this will act as a stronger mandate and encourage people to get more involved in the political process.

J’s thoughts

It sounds like a good idea in theory. I imagine many voters would welcome the opportunity to add a second or more preferences to their vote.

J’s concern

Imagine a marginal constituency with the two main competitors Labour and Lib Dem. The Conservatives have no chance of winning.

A strong Labour supporter votes just for the Labour party. He ignore any other preferences because he doesn’t want the Lib Dems to win and he certainly doesn’t want to vote conservative.

A Conservative supporter votes for the Conservatives first and then because he doesn’t want Labour in he puts the Lib Dems as his second choice.

The first and second preferences count for the same and because this is a marginal constituency there is no chance of a majority with the first round of votes. Essentially the Labour supporter’s vote counts once and the Conservative supporter’s vote counts twice. (In the first round he votes conservative, in the second he votes for the lib-dems instead when the conservatives drop out.) Is this fair? AV supporters would argue it is, during any one round everyone is still voting once. I’m not so sure it is fair and this leads me on to the next point against AV.

Argument Against – All preferences have the same Weight

I’m not sure it’s right that someone’s 5th choice has the same weight as someone else’s 1st.  In fact it almost feels undemocratic. Why didn’t they just weight the vote prefences differently! i.e. a first choice counts for more than a second and a second more than a third etc… Increasingly as I write this article I can’t help thinking that the whole system is half baked and badly thought out.

Argument For – Less Tactical Voting

Pro AV supporters argue that the AV system eliminates the need for tactical voting therefore making the system fairer.

J’s thoughts

I do believe that AV will reduce the amount of tactical voting. With the current system many voters vote for parties other than the ones they support because their own parties have no chance of winning. With the AV system you can vote for both your own party (even though it won’t win) and another party as a second choice.

I think we would be kidding ourselves if we thought this would eliminate tactical voting entirely. People will always come up with elaborate ways to support their party. That said I do believe AV would help with the problem of tactical voting.

Argument Against – Time and Cost

There’s no doubt AV will take a lot longer to count (estimates suggest 5 times longer and because of this you will have to pay counters more.) There will also be costs in switching over to the new system. Overall costs have been put at £250million

J’s thoughts

At this time of austerity it does seem stupid to waste money on changing the voting system. That said of the £250 million almost £100million has already been lost on the referendum alone. We might as well spend the other £150 million if AV really is the right system but we better be damn sure.   

Argument For – Fairer and More Engaging

One of the strongest arguments against the current voting system is that people in safe seats feel disempowered. There votes ultimately mean almost nothing since the same party is always bound to win.

J’s thoughts

AV will do very little to solve this problem, safe seats will continue to remain safe. This problem is really more of an argument for proportional representation.

Argument Against – It’s Complicated! Would it Put People Off Voting

Whatever people say about this AV system it’s definitely more complicated than the current system. For me this is the biggest and probably decisive point against AV. The system is complicated.

Do I have to put a second preference? / How many prefences do I or can I put?/When does my 4th preference count? Etc.  !#$%^&*

J’s Thoughts

My biggest concern is that it might discourage people from voting. Am I being patronising? I don’t think so. People are busy and who can be bothered to go through the rules of a voting system? Are you going to vote if you don’t know how the system works. Some will but I fear some will be put off. 1 vote keeps it simple.

My Conclusion

Keep it Simple. I started off writing this article genuinely not sure which way I would vote. I’ve concluded the current system may not be perfect but AV isn’t the right replacement for us. Our democracy is strongest when we keep things simple.

Actor Monty Burgess on The Cyber Security Challenge.

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1) Tell us about the Cyber Security Challenge

The Cyber Security Challenge is a series of online games and competitions that test the cyber security abilities of individuals and teams.

I’d read about the Cyber Security Challenge on the BBC website. I was specifically interested in the forensics challenge, run by the US Department of Defence. Basically I was just curious as to the types of challenges they would set up.

2) How did you get into computing?

I’ve been a computer user since I was quite young. My dad, my brother and I used to write programs in BASIC on our first computer. They weren’t particularly sophisticated, but it was fun, and all very new.

My knowledge of computer security just developed over the years really, through curiosity, wanting to learn how to better defend systems, and to understand the workings of viruses and malware.

3) You are also an actor, how did you get into acting?

That’s a difficult question to answer, as there hasn’t really been a time when I haven’t been working towards being an actor. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do since I was young.

4) What is the main problem with a computer’s security?

Harsh as it sounds, the main problem with a computer’s security is generally it’s user. People aren’t very security minded. We take the rapid development of technology (Ipads, mobile phones, android devices, etc, etc.) very much for granted and our first concern is to have and enjoy, rather than have, secure and enjoy.

You only need to do a quick whip round of your friends on Facebook or Twitter, and you’ll find plenty of personal information online – dates of birth, relatives names, email addresses, locations.

5) Do you plan to do more in computing or is acting calling?

I have no current plans to change careers. As enjoyable as the challenges of forensics are, first and foremost I’m an actor.

6) What’s next for you?

I’ve just finished filming on the comedy ‘Betsy and Leonard’ as well as a commercial for Amnesty International. I will be filming a comedy feature in the next month or so. I appeared in a project called ‘Him’ by Confugium Film a while ago, and they are having an industry screening, so I’m keen to see the result.

Roz Savage, Explorer and Environmentalist, On Rowing & Being Green.

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1) What inspired you to become an explorer and environmentalist?

In 2004 I had an environmental epiphany. I was reading a book about the Hopi tribe, and their belief that we have to look after the Earth if we want it to look after us. That hit me with all the force of a fundamental truth. I was horrified that I hadn’t realized this very obvious fact sooner, and appalled at my past carelessness in over-consumption and careless disposal. I resolved that I would do what I could to wake other people up to the fact that we can’t carry on treating the Earth this way and expect to have a healthy future.

But I needed a platform for my message, and I found it in rowing solo across oceans.

2) What kind of training did you do to prepare for rowing the pacific?

Training is really the least part of my preparations. I have a pretty relaxed attitude to training, spending between 30 and 90 minutes a day in the gym (depending on my other commitments) – pretty much a “fitness for life” philosophy, i.e. the kind of training that any person would do to maintain strength, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness, and to keep their body relatively fit and lean.
The much bigger parts of my preparation are fundraising, refurbishing the boat, arranging logistics and media coverage.

3) What are your strongest memories from rowing the pacific?

The sad memories would include seeing pieces of plastic suspended throughout the water column, even thousands of miles from land. The great ocean wilderness is far from pristine now.

Good memories would include the wildlife I saw – whales, dolphins, turtles, pelagic birds, and even a whale shark. And the stars – I love to look up at the stars as I brush my teeth at the end of a long day’s rowing and feel connected to everything.

4) Do you think climate change is a real and immediate threat?

I think it is absolutely real, yes. How can we think that we can keep pumping CO2 into the atmosphere and for it not to have consequences? For a long time humans could get away with more, because there were fewer of us. But now we are nearly 7 billion, and although the world is large, you can take it from someone who has rowed around most of it that it is not large enough to continue to take this abuse.

5) You launched an anti-plastic bag campaign with Greener Upon Thames and Zac Goldsmith. What do you think are the effects of plastic on the environment?

Plastic is just about everywhere now, throughout our ecosystem and getting into our food and our bodies. The real tragedy is that most of the plastic that we generate has a useful life of about 20 minutes (think plastic bags, bottles, and drinking straws) and yet has an afterlife of many decades. It simply makes no sense to make “disposable” items out of an indestructible substance.

6) Who inspires you as a person?

I get inspired by the people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and get on with tackling a problem. There is nothing special about these people, other than that they go from complaining to acting. Talk is easy, but we need action. Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org, is a particular hero of mine. He is intelligent, well-informed, passionate, and relevant. Anita Roddick was also a real role model for me. I love the way she used her shop windows to wage campaigns on everything from rainforest destruction to human rights.

7) What can people do to be more green?

The first step is to take responsibility, and to recognize that every action counts. If we wait around for governments and corporations to do the right thing, we will be waiting a very long time indeed, and the ecosystem will be damaged beyond repair by then. We all need to recognize that every time we buy something, or throw something away, or choose how to get from A to B, we are casting a vote for the kind of future that we want. We have to cast those votes wisely.

I’d also like to point out that we are not talking about saving the planet. The planet will be fine, given a few billennia. We are talking about saving the human race. We are not as resilient as the planet is, and if we don’t wise up really soon, we will have altered our world so much that it can no longer support human life.

8) Any advice for those wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Or oarstrokes!

There is nothing special about me. I just found a cause that concerned me so deeply that I couldn’t stand by and watch the world go to hell in a handcart. That motivated me to overcome all kinds of fears and limitations. Even now, I occasionally suffer a wobble, and wonder if I can continue – either with the rowing, or with the campaigning. And I just have to remind myself to take it one oarstroke at a time, and I can accomplish almost anything.

9) What’s next?

Indian Ocean this year, North Atlantic next year, and then I hang up my oars and find a less physically strenuous way of cam

16 YEAR-OLD ONE YOUNG WORLD EXPLORER SKIS TO NORTH POLE IN JUST 4 DAYS

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PARKER LIAUTAUD – TEENAGE ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGNER AND ONE YOUNG WORLD’S FIRST EXPLORER RECORDS ONE OF THE FASTEST EVER TIMES

April 13, 2011 – LONDON – Sixteen-year old arctic explorer, Parker Liautaud has succeeded in his mission to ski to the North Pole in just four days, as one of the youngest people to ever complete the mission.

Today, Parker and his teammate Doug Stoup completed the journey one week ahead of schedule and were the first team to return triumphantly from the North Pole – despite being delayed by three days due to adverse weather conditions.

This is his latest expedition as an ambassador for One Young World, the premier global forum for young people of leadership calibre.

Anticipated to last up to two weeks, Parker Liautaud completed the 112km expedition in 4 days, 2 hours and 47 minutes which puts his mission as one of the fastest Last Degree expeditions to the North Pole in history.

Parker completed his mission as the first One Young World Explorer, a role which supports the One Young World resolution on the environment that calls for international legislative action to ensure carbon emissions reduction targets are both agreed and met by 2020.

Throughout his journey, Parker undertook scientific research for the European Space Agency and the University of Alberta. He made 200 snow thickness measurements every day in accordance with the Pole Track 2005 updated protocol which will now be used in long and short term climate change research.

In 2010, Parker set his goal to become the youngest person to ski to the North Pole when he launched his organisation, The Last Degree, dedicated to inspiring, informing and engaging young people in a dialogue on environmental issues facing the polar regions.

Parker became close to his goal to be the youngest explorer in history to reach the North Pole and made it closer than any other team on the ice at the time. Unfortunately, due to atrocious weather conditions including zero visibility, heavy drifts and strong winds – described by NASA as ‘the worst since records began’- Parker had to be evacuated only 15 miles from the pole.

The extraordinarily high temperatures and open water that prevented Parker completing his first mission highlight the damaging effects of climate change and this remains the focus of his second attempt in 2011.

Throughout his new mission, Parker has been keen to communicate his message about climate change and sent regular updates of his journey from the arctic via Facebook > , Twitter > and YouTube > in addition to the expedition’s website http://oywnorthpole.parkerliautaud.com .

David Jones, co-founder of One Young World and global CEO of Havas, said: ““Parker is a fantastic example of the commitment, drive and leadership of the One Young World ambassadors. His is an inspirational mission to help communicate the environmental challenges facing the polar-regions and build international support for action against climate change. We are really proud to have Parker as the first One Young World Explorer and congratulate his success at reaching the North Pole.”

Parker Liautaud became a One Young World ambassador after attending the inaugural summit in London in February 2010, where 1,000 of the world’s young leaders gathered in London alongside global leaders including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Bob Geldof and Kofi Annan to impact global decision making.

Kate Robertson, co-founder of One Young World and UK Group Chairman of Euro RSCG said: “We are proud that Parker has achieved his mission to be one of the youngest people to ever reach the North Pole and has done so in astonishing time. His story is one that will inspire the next-generation of One Young World ambassadors.”

Parker said: “One Young World provides a unique opportunity for young leaders to share their visions, ideas and to have their voice heard on global issues that matter. I am thrilled to be the first One Young World Explorer and will draw attention to the need for government action to address climate change.”

Commenting on Parker’s expedition, Bear Grylls, adventurer and the UK’s Chief Scout, said: “A huge challenge and a huge ambition but such endeavours bring out the best in us. I so admire Parker’s dedication and drive and I know what can be achieved when a project has one’s whole heart and soul in it. I fully support Parker’s determination to bring this important message of climate change to world leaders.”