Women Break 'Ice Ceiling' in Cryosphere Science Fieldwork

The world of science has long struggled with an imbalance in representation, with certain fields exhibiting a more pronounced gender disparity than others. While strides have been made towards inclusivity, the cryosphere – the realm of Earth's frozen regions – remains a domain where women in science are significantly underrepresented.

Despite efforts to integrate more women into the study of glaciers and ice formations, a stark gender gap persists, particularly in Asia. As highlighted by an article on State of the Planet published by Phys.org, although numerous women contribute to cryosphere science through remote sensing and glacier modeling, their participation in fieldwork remains limited.

Breaking the Ice Ceiling

Addressing this issue is crucial, as it not only promotes equality but also enriches scientific endeavors. Robin Bell, a lecturer at Columbia's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and a veteran of cryosphere fieldwork in the 1980s, emphasizes the importance of inclusivity: "I've worked on trying to make science open for everybody. Sometimes, we don't think about bringing everyone along, but the understanding is that our science is better with more people at the table."

Bell's sentiment underscores the collective responsibility to dismantle the barriers hindering women's participation in cryosphere research. Initiatives like "Women on Ice" are taking concrete steps to break down these obstacles and empower women in this field.

Pioneering Research in the Hindu Kush Himalaya

Last December, the first cohort of Women on Ice embarked on an all-female cryosphere fieldwork expedition in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region. Spearheaded by the Nepal-based International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), a non-governmental organization dedicated to the sustainability and conservation of Asian mountain ranges, this groundbreaking expedition aimed to address the challenges posed by climate change.

Nine women from five different countries were selected to participate in this expedition, venturing to the Ponkar Glacier in Nepal. Their mission was multifaceted: to study glacial features, assess the impacts of a changing climate on the region, and engage with local communities to understand their perspectives and needs.

The team was divided into three groups, each focusing on a specific aspect of the research: permafrost, glaciers, and economic and social factors. The economic and social factors group conducted interviews with locals, exploring the interplay between tourism, community needs, and environmental sustainability.

Sustainability in Action

Silian Pan, a Ph.D. student at Germany's Leibniz University specializing in Arctic permafrost microbiology, shared her insights after witnessing firsthand the effects of climate change on the region. "Now, the glacier lake is gone; the water there is very small," she observed. "The local people … need to walk 30 minutes to get the water for daily use. That's why we study this."

This expedition not only contributes to scientific understanding but also empowers women in a field where their voices have traditionally been underrepresented. The diverse perspectives brought by the participants enrich the research, fostering innovative solutions to address the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change.

By promoting the participation of women in science and encouraging collaborative efforts, initiatives like Women on Ice pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future. Their work serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that collective action can mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure a healthier planet for generations to come. The global impact of these endeavors extends far beyond the icy landscapes they explore, inspiring individuals and communities worldwide to embrace environmental responsibility and strive for a more equitable world.