He is only 16 years old, but Manuel Calvo Ariza is going to cross the Arctic for a good cause: to census Greenlandic dogs, beautiful animals who, along with the area's residents, are seeing how conditions in the place where they have always resided are changing. If you'd like to learn more about how climate change affects other species, you can read about the impact of climate change on animals.
Together with his father, Manuel will travel 400 kilometers at -20ºC to reach Qaannaq, one of the most remote places on the planet. This census of Greenland dogs in the Arctic is crucial to understanding their current situation.
Arctic Challenge, name they have given to the expedition, aims to raise awareness about climate change on the one hand, and about the responsible ownership, history and culture of the Greenlandic dog on the otherAs temperatures rise and the ice melts, more and more people are leaving their home regions to seek safer areas. In doing so, they leave their dogs behind. And now there are more dogs than people. This phenomenon leads us to reflect on the impact of climate change on these animals' environment.
The 16-year-old teenager, a great lover and defender of dogs, is going to travel across the Arctic to try to help them, by censusing the Greenlandic canine population. Furthermore, the study of these circumstances can be related to the phenomenon of increase in disease transmission in different ecosystems.
The last mission of Desafío Ártico will be to collect information for the universities of Malaga and Barcelona to study these beautiful dogs, and see if there are differences between the bacteria and other organic elements of purebred dogs compared to those we know in other latitudes where the climate is warmer. With this data, they will be able to know how many possibilities they have of adapting to a world where there is less and less ice, which is related to the extreme cold and its effects.
Hopefully the expedition helps raise awareness about what it means to have and take care of a dog, as well as what we are doing to planet Earth.
The expedition's route
The expedition began on March 26 and will run until April 16, a total of 22 days during which father and son will travel through an arid territory that is little explored and faces increasing challenges due to climate change. This trip is not only an adventure, but also an important census of Greenland dogs in the Arctic.
During this period, the expedition is expected to cross important landmarks in the geography of North Greenland. Key sites to be visited include:
- Qaanaaq
- Bowdoin Fjord
- Humboldt Glacier
- Siorapaluk
- Eisfjord in Disko Bay
These places are known for their stunning glacial landscapes, where the ice is at its most active, and it's an area where Greenland dogs have found their home for centuries. This makes the relationship between the impact of Arctic wildlife and climate change evident, which relates to the topic of fauna in various geological eras.
About Greenland dogs
The Greenland dogs They are an ancient breed that has been used by the Inuit inhabitants of the region for generations. Adapted to the harsh Arctic conditions, these dogs are resilient, strong, and have developed a symbiotic relationship with humans, who depend on them for transportation and hunting on the ice. This census of Greenland dogs in the Arctic is essential to understanding their current status.
As part of the expedition's study, it will focus on discovering how climate change has affected this canine population. The data obtained could help understand the decline in dog numbers, which has been reflected in the communities where they reside. Therefore, it is crucial to consider how other regions have maintained their ecosystems despite environmental problems, as mentioned in the summary of extreme weather events.
Impact of climate change
The melting of the Arctic is one of the most worrying consequences of climate change and a central theme of this expedition's research. As temperatures rise, the ice becomes weaker, affecting both the region's wildlife and its inhabitants. This endangers not only Greenland dogs but also the ecosystems where they live.
During the expedition, Manuel and his father will take biological samples that will be sent to universities for analysis. This information will be crucial to understanding how these dogs are adapting to the change in their natural habitat. It is essential to know if these adaptations will allow them to survive in a world where ice is increasingly scarce. This relates to the importance of studying theories about how heat affects animals.
Awareness and education
The expedition focuses not only on scientific research, but also on education and awareness on responsible pet ownership. Manuel and his father's experience will be shared with children and young people in Malaga and other locations, with the aim of fostering a better understanding of the relationship between humans and animals, as well as the effects of climate change. The need to care for Greenland dogs is evident.
By presenting images, videos, and sharing stories of their experiences, they hope to inspire future generations to care for and value dogs and their natural environment. Furthermore, it is essential to consider how human impact alters the natural environment of different species, as detailed in Pollution and its effects on dogs in India.
The importance of dogs in the lives of the Inuit And the need to care for their breed is a central message of this campaign. It not only seeks to protect Greenland dogs, but also to educate about the impact human decisions have on the environment.
An act of bravery and love for animals
Manuel's decision to embark on this expedition at such a young age demonstrates his courage and his deep love for animals. Despite the risks and difficulties involved, such as extreme temperatures and the possibility of encountering wild animals, the young adventurer is motivated by a noble cause.
