Youths explored melting glaciers in Tyrol

What may well be the hottest and driest summer on record in the Alpine region is also taking its toll on the glaciers. Nine youths* (women, intersex, non-binary, trans and agender people) aged between 15 and 17 from all over Austria came to the Tyrolean mountains and set off for the glacier forefield, where they spent eleven days far from civilisation under the guidance of female scientists, a mountain guide and an artist. The programme included hiking, experiencing science first-hand, learning to climb mountains, mastering camp life, and fostering team spirit and personal development. Their thirst for adventure and curiosity about nature motivated them to take part. How do rocks and sediments on the glacier accelerate melting, and how do they insulate it? Together, they conducted experiments to investigate the impacting factors on glaciers and to answer this question. Above all, it was their desire to learn more about climate protection and the fight against glacier retreat. One of the participants will always remember as they „discovered a glacial mill and did some ice climbing there“. For her new friend, it was helpful to „better understand, how much 1,5°C is affecting our earth. As humans we don’t necessary notice 1,5°C less or more. But the glacier does.“

The aim of the free expedition was to provide as inclusive access as possible to these expensive and male-dominated fields, as well as to present inspiring alternative role models. Participation was reserved for young women* from diverse socio-economic backgrounds and provided a “safeR space”, in which to overcome physical and mental challenges. The supportive group dynamic, the artistic engagement with the landscape and their own emotions, the practical scientific experiments and the process of pushing beyond personal limits strengthened their self-efficacy and instilled in the participants, at the start of their adult lives, a sense of self-confidence that empowered them to advocate for climate and social justice.

Upon their return to Innsbruck, the participants prepared their mini-research findings, their newly acquired mountaineering skills and their artistic creations for the public final presentation. Armed with scientific information and empowered by the group experience, they all stepped out in front of the audience with confidence. Over 50 people (family, friends, other interested members of the public) visited the interactive stations on glacier melt, ecological succession and knot-tying-techniques, and were informed by these newly appointed glacier ambassadors.

About the project

Girls* on Ice Austria is a non-profit organisation that forms part of the international  Inspiring Girls* Expedition network. Each year, it organises free expeditions for secondary school pupils* (women, lesbians, intersex, non-binary, trans and agender people) that combine field science, art and backcountry travel.

Young Glacier Voices is a project comprising two international camps, educational activities and awareness-raising campaigns. It aims to strengthen young adults’ environmental awareness. Through art and creative methods, complex scientific data is transformed into captivating experiences and narratives. Funded by the EU programme ERASMUS+, young people are empowered to raise their voices in support of greater climate action.

Further information:
Félicie Weiss, School Activities Coordinator at Girls* on Ice Austria, austria@inspiringgirls.org 
Maja Kogovšek Nipp, Project Manager at CIPRA International, maja.kogovsek@cipra.org   

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.