Emma Cameron

What’s the work that you do?

My current work as an M.Sc.student is dedicated to resurrecting archived climate information from lacustrine sediment cores in High Arctic lakes, with the aim of gaining a clearer understanding of climate change impacts. Due to the logistical challenges of conducting fieldwork in the remote regions of Canada’s Arctic Archipelago, uncertainties persist regarding the response of these sensitive freshwater ecosystems to recent warming. I focus on a select group of lakes near 83°N on Northern Ellesmere Island, Nunavut, analyzing diatoms as bioindicators to better understand the ecological thresholds that exist within these systems.

What keeps you going?

I am continually inspired by the profound sense of exploration and discovery embedded in my research field. Within High Arctic aquatic ecosystems, many questions still persist regarding the biogeochemical mechanisms at play amid the ongoing threat of climate change. I am privileged to collaborate with such a passionate and interdisciplinary scientific community, working to unravel these mysteries. My research takes me to extreme locations on the frontlines of climate change, an opportunity that has cultivated a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility to both understand and advocate for these environments.

What’s your message to the world?

We all share the responsibility to protect vulnerable ecosystems, particularly in the Arctic, where a climate emergency jeopardizes the stability of its once pristine landscapes. Go beyond merely being a spectator to this climate crisis by watching nature documentaries and reading news articles. Engage in researching ways to mitigate anthropogenic warming, whether through scientific inquiry, policy advocacy, or small, everyday individual actions to reduce your ecological footprint. Should you opt for scientific exploration and advocacy, act on your curiosities, seize opportunities that light up your mind and soul, and have confidence in your abilities.