Thai Scientists from Chula to Investigate Global Warming in Antarctica

BANGKOK,March 10, 2025/PRNewswire/ --Prof. Dr. Suchana Chavanich fromthe Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, and Deputy Director of the Aquatic Resources Research Institute,Chulalongkorn Universityrecently embarked ona 28-day expedition toAntarctica to study the impacts of global warming and microplastic waste.

Prof. Dr. Suchana warns that climate change is accelerating beyond predictions.  Despite Thailand being located over 11,000 kilometers away, the country is not immune to these environmental changes.

ThePolar Research Project, initiated by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, highlightsThailand'scommitment to climate change research. This initiative allows Thai scientists to collaborate with global researchers, enhancing the country's expertise in polar science. Internationally, the project partners withChina'sArctic and Antarctic Administration (CAA), while domestically, it works with several Thai institutions. Over the past decade, Thai researchers have contributed to studies on oceanography, geology, astronomy, and environmental science in the polar regions.

For the 2025 expedition, Prof. Dr. Suchana joined theChinese Antarctic Research Teamalong with Thai researchersDr. Sujaree BurikulandMr. Nipat Pinpradet. Departing fromBangkok, the team traveled to Punta Arenas,Chile, before continuing toAntarctica, where they stayed atGreat Wall Station. Working in temperatures as low as -93°C, they will conduct extensive fieldwork, collecting images, videos, and biological samples to study marine ecosystems and microplastic contamination.

A key concern isthe link between global warming andemerging infectious diseases (EIDs). Rising ocean temperatures alter fish behavior, increasing their food intake and parasite infections, which could lead to disease outbreaks and higher death rates in penguin and seal populations. Additionally, microplastic waste in the polar regions, which remains a significant challenge, with only a 10% chance of proper removal, can also pose severe health risks.

Prof. Dr. Suchana underscores the alarming rate ofpolar ice melt, which could drastically raise sea levels—up to 50 metersif the South Pole's ice caps completely disappear. Such a scenario would be catastrophic, making global warming an urgent crisis.

Raising awareness is crucial. Prof. Dr. Suchana hopes to sharereal-time footage fromAntarctica to educate Thai people on the environmental crisis. She urges everyone to take action, emphasizing that climate change is driven by human activity—greenhouse gas emissions, overfishing, and pollution. To mitigate further damage, individuals must recognize their role in preserving nature before irreversible consequences unfold.

Read more at https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/222837/ 

Media Contact:Pataraporn.r@chula.ac.th 

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SOURCEChulalongkorn UniversityCommunication Center