Global temperatures are rapidly increasing. 21st Century has witnessed an astonishing 17 of the 18 warmest years on record. According to NOAA report, nearly every continent experienced record warm temperatures during the first five months of 2018, and August 2018 marked the 42nd consecutive August and the 404th consecutive month in which temperatures exceeded the 20th-century average. Analysis by the National Snow and Ice Data Center using data from NOAA and NASA indicated that the average Arctic sea ice extent in August 2018 was the seventh smallest in the 40-year record at 614,000 square miles (22.1 per cent) below the 1981-2010 average.

                                                     

                         

WHY CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE ARCTIC MATTERS?
Climate change in the Arctic is not just a local problem - it's a global problem. The Arctic region gives off more heat to space than it absorbs from outside, which helps cool the planet. So changes in the Arctic climate could affect the climate in the rest of the world. In the first half of 2010, air temperatures in the Arctic were 4° Celsius (7° Fahrenheit) warmer than the 1968 to 1996 reference period, according to NOAA.
"The Arctic is going through the most unprecedented transition in human history," Jeremy Mathis, director of NOAA's Arctic research program, said at a press conference. The observations from 2018 confirm that the Arctic shows no sign of returning to the reliably frozen state it was in just a decade ago.

                                                                                                                   

ABOUT THIS CAMPAIGN
This campaign's goal is to raise funds for me to be a part of an upcoming expedition to the Arctic - A special voyage that equips leaders with resources and actionable solutions to become a part of a global force of change.
I've been selected to represent India in the Climate Force: International Arctic Expedition in June 2019. With your support, I will come back equipped with real-time observations of climate change, up-to-date climate change training and profound experience which I will use to build effective solutions to combat the effects in our communities in India. I will become part of a vast global movement of change leaders from across the planet and come up with solutions to address the social, economic and environmental impact of climate change in India.

ABOUT ME
I am Vinod Rao. K, a clinical researcher by profession and a sustainability enthusiast by choice. I quit my corporate job in 2014 to pursue a career in academic research. I've worked with several non-profit organisations like Bhumi- educating and mentoring underprivileged children from Orphanage homes, Sankalp India Foundation- a youth organization working for blood donation, Thalassemia and disaster relief, and Haemophilia society of India- Bangalore.
             I am proficient in 5 languages and backpacked to more than 40 countries with an intention of understanding cultural perspectives and global awareness. I have a strong record of exploration, volunteerism and advocacy which qualifies me for this expedition.

                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                                                                               


ABOUT THE EXPEDITION
I will join the expedition to the Arctic led by Sir Robert Swan, an internationally renowned explorer and the first person in the history to walk to the North and South poles.  The mission of the IAE/Climate Force: Arctic 2019 expedition is to build personal leadership skills among people who choose to embrace the challenge of sustaining all forms of life – in their families, communities, organizations and the planet. I will receive on-ship training in climate science and skills to raise awareness about climate change and how it can be combated.
          We will leave from Norway in June 2019 for a two weeks voyage to the Arctic which is the home to polar bears, Svalbard reindeer, and puffins- to study and learn about the impact of climate change on the terrain and wildlife of the earth’s last wilderness. It is the most pristine locations on the planet, which is exactly why we must do everything we can to preserve it.

                                                                                                                                              


  For more information, please watch the trailer below   

YOUR SUPPORT
I need to pay USD 18,980 (approximately INR.  13, 83,000) towards the costs of the expedition (detailed below). I’ve been promised some sponsorship of value around 3 Lakhs.  So, am looking forward to your support for the reminder i.e. around 10 Lakhs.

                                                                                                   
With your support, I hope to utilize the opportunity of reaching the northernmost corner of the earth to create and run an awareness campaign about climate change in India’s schools, colleges and rural communities. I also plan to volunteer as a scientific advisor with some of the facility management services in India to come up with solutions to tackle release of CO2 and methane emissions from various dump yards and to create innovative actionable measures to combat climate change. Together, let’s take a step forward to address the greatest challenges of our generation. Together, let’s make the difference.

IN RETURN FOR YOUR SUPPORT
Rs 20,000 and more – Comprehensive mention and coverage on social media, Special souvenir magnets from Norway, exclusive high-quality photographs of Arctic, and daily updates during the expedition.
Rs 10,000 – Rs 20,000 – Comprehensive mention and coverage on social media, Exclusive high-quality photographs of Arctic and daily updates during the expedition.
Rs 5,000 – 10000- Exclusive high-quality photographs of Arctic and daily updates during the expedition.
Up to Rs 5000 – Daily updates during the expedition.
Finally, your contribution to this expedition is a sign of your direct support to the cause of fighting Climate change. You will become part of a global initiative to preserve our world today for tomorrow’s generations.

RISKS AND CHALLENGES
The only challenge I see for not completing my Arctic expedition mainly relate to the possibility that I don't end up on that ship in the Arctic Circle. Delay in funding or cancellation by the sponsors are the primary reasons this could occur. However, for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I'm highly motivated to make it happen at all costs and every bit of your support counts.  So, in the unlikely event that I don't make it to the Arctic, I'll still continue to promote renewable energy and work towards sustainable development.