TED: Let's save the last pristine continent | Robert Swan

The video discusses the significance of the South and North Poles, highlighting the dangers of ice melt and the importance of the Antarctic Treaty. The speaker shares personal experiences from polar expeditions, emphasizing the need for environmental awareness and action. Efforts to engage global leaders and youth in preserving Antarctica are detailed, along with future challenges and solutions, such as using renewable energy to prevent exploitation.

What is the main concern highlighted by the speaker regarding the poles?

• The poles are too far for most people to visit.

• There is no significant change happening at the poles.

• Ice melt at the poles poses a threat to Earth's survival.

• The poles are too cold for exploration.

What treaty protects Antarctica from exploitation?

• The Antarctic Treaty.

• The Environmental Protection Treaty.

• The Arctic Treaty.

• The Global Warming Treaty.

What significant environmental change did the speaker experience during the 1986 expedition?

• A volcanic eruption.

• An unexpected avalanche.

• A hole in the ozone layer.

• A sudden snowstorm.

What was the speaker's emotional state after returning from the polar expeditions?

• Joyful and content.

• Empty and financially destroyed.

• Excited and eager for more.

• Indifferent and unaffected.

Who inspired the speaker to take on the 2041 mission?

• A famous mountaineer.

• Jacques Cousteau.

• A renowned scientist.

• A political leader.

What is the speaker's view on the role of young people in preserving Antarctica?

• They should focus on other issues.

• They are too young to understand the importance.

• They are crucial for future preservation efforts.

• They have no role to play.

What is one of the key activities the speaker has undertaken to promote environmental awareness?

• Building new research stations.

• Recycling metal waste from Antarctica.

• Hosting climate change debates.

• Organizing polar bear tours.

What is the predicted consequence of the Western Antarctic ice shelf disintegrating?

• A decrease in global temperatures.

• A rise in sea levels by 1 meter.

• An increase in polar bear populations.

• A reduction in global ice coverage.

What is the speaker's plan for the next expedition to the South Pole?

• To use only renewable energy.

• To use traditional fuel sources.

• To avoid the South Pole entirely.

• To travel by helicopter.

What is the speaker's ultimate goal for Antarctica?

• To build new research facilities.

• To exploit its natural resources.

• To make it a tourist destination.

• To preserve it as a pristine place.