Polar Research Scientist and Climate Change Advocate
At the bottom of the world, where pristine ice meets endless sky, Humera Iqbal stands as both witness and guardian to one of Earth’s most critical ecosystems. As a polar research scientist dedicated to studying Antarctica’s response to climate change, she represents the frontline of climate science, where beauty and environmental urgency converge in the planet’s most remote laboratory.
Humera’s journey to Antarctica began with a profound fascination for Earth’s polar regions and their crucial role in global climate systems. Her research focuses on understanding how rapidly changing Antarctic conditions affect global sea levels, weather patterns, and marine ecosystems. “Antarctica isn’t just a distant frozen continent,” she explains. “It’s a critical component of Earth’s climate system, and changes here affect weather patterns, sea levels, and marine life across the globe.”
Working in one of the world’s most challenging environments requires both scientific rigor and physical resilience. Humera’s fieldwork involves collecting ice core samples, monitoring glacier movements, and studying marine biodiversity in sub-zero temperatures. Her research contributes to our understanding of how human activities are accelerating ice sheet melting and what this means for coastal communities worldwide.
The urgency of her work becomes apparent when she describes witnessing firsthand the rapid changes occurring in Antarctic ice formations. “What we’re seeing is unprecedented in the geological record,” she notes. “The rate of change is accelerating beyond our previous projections, which has serious implications for global climate models and coastal planning.”
Beyond data collection, Humera advocates for increased public awareness about Antarctica’s role in climate regulation. She emphasizes that polar research isn’t just academic—it’s essential for informing policy decisions that affect every person on Earth. Her work contributes to international climate assessments and helps shape conservation strategies for polar regions.
Humera’s research also explores the intersection of climate science and social justice, examining how climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. “Climate change isn’t just an environmental issue,” she emphasizes. “It’s a human rights issue, affecting food security, water resources, and forced migration patterns globally.”
Through her scientific publications and public speaking engagements, Humera translates complex climate data into accessible information for policymakers and the public. She believes that effective climate action requires both rigorous science and clear communication about the stakes involved.
Her commitment extends beyond research to mentoring the next generation of climate scientists, particularly encouraging young women to pursue careers in polar research. “We need diverse perspectives in climate science,” she explains. “The challenges we face require innovative thinking from scientists with varied backgrounds and experiences.”
“Antarctica’s beauty is matched only by its fragility. Every day we delay climate action, we lose irreplaceable aspects of this ecosystem that has taken millions of years to develop. The time for urgent action is now.”
