Journey to the end of the Earth Summary

For a south Indian man travelling to Antarctica from Madras, it takes nine
time zones, six checkpoints, three water bodies and just as many ecospheres
to reach there. Tishani Doshi travelled to the Southern end of the Earth along
with an expedition group named ‘Students on Ice’ that provides an
opportunity to the young minds to sensitise towards the realistic version of
climatic changes happening in the world. According to the founder of the
organisation, we are the young versions of future policymakers who can turn
the situation around. Antarctica is one of the coldest, driest and windiest
continents in the world.
As far as the eyes can see, it is completely white and its uninterrupted blue
horizon gives immense relief. It is shocking to believe that India and
Antarctica were part of the same supercontinent Gondwana, that got
segregated into countries giving rise to the globe we know today. Antarctica
had a warmer climate until then. Despite human civilisation around the
globe, it still remains in it pure form. Being a south Indian sun-worshipping
guy, it was unimaginable for the author to visit the place that constitutes
world’s 90 per cent of ice, a place so quiet that it is only interrupted by snow
avalanches. It is home to a lot of evidences that can give us a glimpse of the
past and at the same time, Antarctica helps us foresee the future. The place
gives an awakening to threatening alarm that global warming is actually real.
Who knows if Antarctica will be warm again and even if it does, will we be
alive to see it?
Journey to the end of the Earth Question Answers
Reading with Insight
1. ‘The world’s geological history is trapped in Antarctica.’ How is the
study of this region useful to us?
A. The geological phenomena of separation of the landmass into various
continents and water bodies almost six hundred and fifty million years ago
marks the beginning of the human race on the Earth. Mammals started
existing after dinosaurs became extinct which happened once the landmarks
separated.
2. What are Geoff Green’s reasons for including high school students in
the Students on Ice expedition?
A. Geoff Green took high school students on an expedition to one end of the
Earth to make them realize the impact that human intervention could have
on nature. He wanted the future policy – makers to experience how difficult it
would be to sustain life with the rising temperatures. He wanted them to see
the melting ice shelves so that they could estimate the trouble that mankind
was headed to.
3. ‘Take care of the small things and the big things will take care of
themselves.’ What is the relevance of this statement in the context of
the Antarctic environment?
A. The statement holds great importance in context of the Antarctic
environment. For instance, the phytoplanktons in the region serve as food
for marine birds and animals. The depletion of the ozone layer affects the
phytoplanktons and the carbon cycle. This can obstruct the existence of
marine life. So, if the process carried on by these small grasses is taken care
of, the processes of the bigger animals and birds can be taken care of.
4. Why is Antarctica the place to go to, to understand the earth’s
present, past and future?
A. Antarctica is the place to go to to understand the earth’s past, present and
future because it gives us an idea of how the earth was millions of years ago.
The melting sheets of ice give us an idea of the future also.

5. Antarctica is a doorway to the past. Explain.

Ans. Antarctica is considered a doorway to the past because its ice sheets preserve
historical records in the form of ice cores, which contain air bubbles and chemical traces,
providing valuable information about Earth's climate and atmosphere from hundreds of
thousands of years ago.
6. Why is Antarctica the place to go to, to understand the earth’s present, past,
and future?
Ans. Antarctica is the ideal destination to comprehend the Earth's present, past, and
future due to its unique characteristics. The continent's pristine and isolated
environment preserves records of past climate and geological events in ice cores and
rock formations. By studying Antarctica, scientists can unravel the Earth's climate history,
understand present changes, and predict future trends. Additionally, the region's
extreme conditions provide insights into how ecosystems adapt and respond to
environmental shifts, offering valuable knowledge for addressing global challenges such
as climate change.
7. For the narrator, spending two weeks in Antarctica is a challenge not only for
the body but also for the mind. Elaborate.
Ans. For the narrator, spending two weeks in Antarctica poses not only physical but also
mental challenges. The extreme and isolated environment of Antarctica pushes the
limits of the narrator's body, with freezing temperatures, harsh winds, and difficult
terrain. However, the vast emptiness and desolation of the landscape also take a toll on
the mind, evoking feelings of insignificance and introspection. The absence of familiar
human activity and the overwhelming silence can lead to a sense of isolation and
introspective contemplation, making it a mental challenge as well.
8. Based on the chapter, elucidate any three consequences that global warming
will have on Antarctica.
Ans. Based on the chapter, three consequences of global warming in Antarctica are:
1. Melting Ice Sheets: Rising temperatures contribute to the melting of ice sheets
and glaciers in Antarctica. This leads to increased sea levels globally, posing a
threat to coastal areas and low-lying islands.
2. Disruption of Ecosystems: Global warming affects the delicate balance of
Antarctic ecosystems. Changing temperatures can impact the survival of various
species, including penguins, seals, and krill, which are crucial components of the
food chain.
3. Shift in Ocean Currents: The melting of Antarctic ice can alter ocean currents,
affecting global climate patterns. Changes in ocean circulation can lead to
variations in weather patterns, such as altering rainfall distribution and
intensifying storms in different parts of the world.
9. Antarctica is unlike any other place on Earth. Justify the statement.
Ans. Antarctica is truly unlike any other place on Earth due to several distinct
characteristics.
• Firstly, it is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent, with average temperatures
far below freezing and extremely low precipitation.
• Secondly, it is the most isolated and remote continent, with vast expanses of
uninhabited land and no permanent human population.
• Lastly, Antarctica boasts unique wildlife, including penguins, seals, and seabirds,
which have adapted to survive in this extreme environment.
These exceptional features make Antarctica a truly unparalleled and remarkable place on
our planet.

10. What are Geoff Green’s reasons for including high school students in the
Students on Ice expedition?
Ans. Geoff Green includes high school students in the Students on Ice expedition for
several reasons. Firstly, he believes in the power of early exposure and education to
shape young minds and create informed global citizens. By providing students with
firsthand experiences in the polar regions, they gain a deeper understanding of
environmental issues and the urgency of taking action. Secondly, Geoff Green
recognizes that young people are the future leaders and decision-makers who will
inherit the Earth. By involving them in the expedition, he aims to empower and inspire
them to become advocates for environmental stewardship, driving positive change in
their communities and beyond.
11. Students on Ice is a programme that prepares global citizens. Discuss.
Ans. Students on Ice is a program that prepares global citizens by providing educational
expeditions to the polar regions. It offers students the opportunity to learn about the
environment, climate change, and cultural understanding through firsthand experiences
in these unique and fragile ecosystems. The program aims to inspire and empower
young individuals to become informed and engaged global citizens, fostering a sense of
responsibility towards the planet.
12. ‘Take care of the small things and the big things will take care of themselves.’
What is the relevance of this statement in the context of the Antarctic
environment?
Ans. The statement "Take care of the small things and the big things will take care of
themselves" holds relevance in the context of the Antarctic environment, especially
when considering the example of phytoplankton. Phytoplankton are microscopic plants
that form the foundation of the Antarctic food chain. They play a crucial role in the
ecosystem by converting sunlight and nutrients into energy, ultimately supporting the
entire marine food web.
By taking care of the small things, such as preserving water quality and reducing
pollution, we can ensure the well-being of phytoplankton populations. This, in turn,
maintains the delicate balance of the Antarctic ecosystem, as phytoplankton serve as a
vital food source for krill, which are then consumed by higher trophic levels such as
penguins, seals, and whales.

Neglecting the small things, such as disregarding pollution or environmental

degradation, can disrupt the intricate web of life in Antarctica. Therefore, by recognizing
the importance of these microscopic organisms and prioritizing their protection, we
contribute to the overall health and sustainability of the Antarctic environment.

can bring about positive change.

Interviewer: It's wonderful to hear how the program empowers students. Could you
share any success stories or notable impacts resulting from the Students on Ice
program?
Green: Absolutely. We've seen countless success stories over the years. Many of our
alumni have gone on to pursue careers in environmental science, policy, and activism.
They've become advocates for sustainability in their communities, driving change at
both local and global levels. It's truly inspiring to witness the transformative impact our
program has had on these young individuals, who are now leading voices for the
protection of our planet.
Interviewer: That's remarkable to hear. Finally, what are your hopes for the future of
Students on Ice?
Green: Our goal is to continue expanding our reach and providing opportunities to even
more students from diverse backgrounds. We aim to foster a global network of
passionate, environmentally conscious individuals who will lead the way in creating a
sustainable future. By empowering young people through education and experience, we
can make a significant impact on our planet's well-being.
Interviewer: Thank you, Mr. Green, for sharing your insights and the incredible work
you're doing through Students on Ice. We wish you continued success in your mission.
Green: Thank you. It's been a pleasure. Together, we can inspire the next generation to
protect and preserve our planet.