Claudia Holgate, MSc

What’s the work that you do?

I lead tourist expeditions in both polar regions, and lecture on my speciality of climate change and ornithology. My job entails deciding where we land, what activities we can undertake and managing an expedition team of guides. I am responsible for the overall safety and experience of visitors, ensuring that there is no or only transitory impacts in the regions visited. My vocation is to share my knowledge and passion for the polar regions, in the hope that these few visitors will become ambassadors for the protection of these remote regions.

What keeps you going?

I spend 8 months of the year in the most beautiful wilderness areas on the planet. There is nothing better than being able to share my passion for the polar regions with tourists who go home with a greater understanding and appreciation for the importance of the Poles and how their actions at home affect areas far outside of their consciousness. Having people sitting on my boat with tears streaming down their face, because this is the most beautiful/spiritual/awe-inspiring experience, is why I love my job.

What’s your message to the world?

The polar regions are the “Canary in the coalmine” when it comes to climate change, and we are seeing significant changes year-on-year. We need to spread the word about how important these regions are and why they are worth protecting. In addition to creating ambassadors, we need people to understand how their simple actions at home can have devastating consequences or can be part of the solution. My message specifically to young women is that there is space to grow and make a meaningful impact in whichever field you choose, but especially, in all things polar. Take no heed of naysayers, follow your dreams and become an inspiration to those who do not have the opportunities.