During the last few years, the scientific community has published reports concluding that the ice mass on the Arctic Ocean has reduced significantly over the last several decades. Scientists documented signs of rising temperatures as well as changes in the atmosphere and sea currents in the Arctic region. According to some, these trends may result in an ice-free Arctic Ocean by the end of this century.

Nature conservation organizations such as the WWF are deeply concerned with the impact these changes will have on the local population and wildlife. These changes compound the challenge of other conservation issues such as the accumulation of toxins through air and water pollution and (successfully) controlled hunting on Arctic animal species such as the Polar Bear. Climate change is imposing a new kind of threat to the wild life.

The radical changes in the North Pole region are part of the global trend of climactic change and could have consequences far beyond the vulnerable ecosystem. If the Arctic sea ice actually becomes thinner over the next few decades, it could change the circulation pattern of the North Atlantic, changing the supply of heat to lower latitudes.

Although the Arctic has been studied and observed over decades, scientists are far from accurate predictions on climate change scenarios for the region. This expedition is part of an ongoing effort to explore and better understand the Arctic and the changes that are taking place.