Deciphering the history of fluctuations of the Patagonian Ice Sheet since the last ice age has been the focus of a collaborative effort spanning over a decade between Esteban Sagredo, the deputy director of the Institute of Geography and researcher at the Patagonia Universidad Católica Station, and Joerg Schaefer, the founder and director of the Cosmogenic Isotope Laboratory at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO), a part of the Columbia Climate School. Their partnership has resulted in the publication of more than a dozen peer-reviewed articles in prestigious journals, highlighting groundbreaking discoveries about the interplay between glaciers and climate on millennial and centennial time scales. Moreover, the collaboration has prioritized academic training through the establishment of a successful exchange program for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as postdoctoral scholars. A cohort of more than a dozen young researchers have emerged from this initiative, poised to lead discussions on climate issues in academia, as well as the public and private sectors on a global scale.
At the core of this successful collaboration is esteemed geologist and LDEO research professor, Mike Kaplan, who has dedicated more than two decades to studying glacial changes in Patagonia and has served as a mentor to numerous Chilean students. In early March, Sagredo and Schaefer spearheaded the inaugural Field Academy in Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine, bringing together academics and graduate students from Columbia University, the University of Utah, the University of State of Utah, and the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile for a transformative experiential learning opportunity. This event was organized for members of the NSF-funded MAGIC project (Mountain Glacier Contribution to Sea Level CE 1900-2100), a collaborative endeavor involving an international team of researchers from diverse institutions and disciplines. The primary goal of MAGIC is to decipher the impacts of glacial retreat and devise transdisciplinary strategies for adaptation and mitigation in Chile and the United States.
Schaefer emphasized, “This science and education program focusing on climate and glacial change and its societal impacts aligns with the broader theme of climate justice, a crucial challenge facing Chilean society and global communities in the years ahead.” By overcoming significant challenges through transdisciplinary collaboration, the members of the MAGIC project engaged in a week-long exchange of theoretical knowledge and practical insights within the awe-inspiring landscape of Torres del Paine National Park. They analyzed glacier evolution, examined paleoclimatic records, and deliberated on the implications of glacier dynamics on water resources in Chile.
The innovative approach of the field academy aimed to bridge climate science with real-world implications, striving to address pressing issues such as the impact of glacier retreat on water resource availability in Chile. The initiative gathered a team of experts spanning various fields, including glaciology, climate modeling, anthropology, and climate communication, fostering a holistic and inclusive approach to addressing the challenges of climate change.
As we confront the consequences of global warming, exacerbated by human activities over the past century, it becomes imperative to engage in collaborative efforts that transcend disciplinary boundaries and offer transdisciplinary solutions for adaptation and mitigation. The expedition to Patagonia highlighted the urgency of strengthening collaboration and forging partnerships to propel cutting-edge research and train the next generation of scientists. The initiative underscores the importance of continuous support and collaboration from institutions like the Catholic University and Columbia University to sustain these impactful endeavors.
The challenges posed by the warming climate and the loss of glacial mass underscore the urgent need for collective action and informed decision-making to safeguard our planet’s future. By pooling our resources and expertise across disciplines, we can work towards a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.
