Latest Developments in the Poles

In the seminar on Turkey's Polar Studies and Polar Logistics, Professor Dr. Burcu Özsoy, the leader of the team that conducted Turkey's first scientific studies in Antarctica and the President of TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center (MAM) and Director of the Polar Research Institute, provided information about polar studies and shared their experiences in Antarctica.

Speaking at the seminar moderated by Prof. Dr. Zeynep Özsoy, Dean of the Faculty of Business at Altınbaş University, and Berna Akyıldız, President of the CILT Turkey Board of Directors, Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy explained that on the expedition, where she also served as the team leader, they brought along Turkish delights, Turkish coffee, and a 500-year-old PİRİ REİS Map, which was the first map showing South America, the closest regions to Antarctica.

Highlighting Turkey's strong position in polar studies conducted since 2005, Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy stated that Turkey has all its strategic plans ready until 2035. She emphasized, "More than 70% of the world's freshwater reserves are frozen in the poles. In the future, when water scarcity will be experienced, the strategic and vital importance of the region will increase even more."

Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy stressed the necessity of working in Antarctica for the physical detection of climate change. She said, "The region, which is the size of 17 Turkeys in terms of area, does not belong to any country but is claimed by 7 countries. In Antarctica, dedicated to science and peace, scientists from different countries work at research stations."

Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy mentioned that the region is known to have many reserves, including minerals, metals, hydrocarbons, and oil. However, extraction is currently prohibited.

Describing the challenging journey to the region, Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy stated, "Our most important need is a research ship. If we had our own ship, we could conduct more advanced research. Currently, we rent from Chile in the south and Norway in the north. Bulgaria recently acquired a polar research vessel. So far, over 100 scientists have been involved, and about 200 scientific outputs have been produced. In addition, 3 GNSS, 1 meteorology, 1 seismic station, and a Turkish Scientific Research Camp have been established on the continent."

Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy emphasized the importance of considering involvement in the region's research as an investment in the future. She said, "Every year, with TÜBİTAK 1001 Polar calls, we identify the dimensions of climate change as Turkish scientists in the poles. We will announce a national call for the 9th expedition. We want the participation of our academics from all disciplines and their contributions to research."

Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy highlighted that the poles are the backbone of the world's climate system. She shared information, "Glaciers in Antarctica and the Svalbard Archipelago visibly melt every year. These melting glaciers are actually considered a source of freshwater. However, with this melting, when waters from mountains to fjords and into the sea mix with salty seawater, it can no longer be considered a freshwater source. The increasingly rapid melting of glaciers today leads to the loss of even more freshwater sources and rising sea levels."

She also emphasized that melting sea ice creates new routes, facilitating new trade routes.

Captain Mechanical Engineer Özgün Oktar from TÜBİTAK MAM Polar Research Institute highlighted that transportation is the largest budget item for reaching the region. He explained that in the region, where the air temperature is around -20 in summer and during daylight hours, ice-class ships are used. Oktar stated that these regions will be very effective in the logistics of the future.

Oktar pointed out that advantageous routes for trade would emerge in the north, saying, "80% of world trade is by sea. New routes connecting the Far East to Europe pass through the north. China considers this as the new Silk Road. The U.S. approaches in the context of national security, strengthening its ports and naval fleets. Despite preparing for a possible war in the Arctic above the Arctic Circle, they are getting ready."

Oktar mentioned that oil and gas have been found in the Arctic region, but some projects have been halted due to costs. Regarding Antarctica, he said, "Antarctica is protected in this regard, but if mining activities start one day, Turkey's presence in the region will be very important."

Berna Akyıldız, President of the CILT Turkey Board of Directors, explained that CILT, which has played a significant role in world logistics for 104 years, has a different ecosystem with a wide range of professionals, academics, and universities working in the sector. She emphasized that they aim to follow developments in polar regions, including new routes, and not only enhance the movement of goods but also human mobility.

Akyıldız stated, "WiLAT, the women's wing of CILT, which started working 2 years ago with a vision that moves the sector forward, supports scientific research in the most challenging geographies of the world with logistic activities carried out in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner and meets the needs in the special conditions of the region. CILT Turkey will pioneer with the title 'Polar Logistics' at both CILT Global and CILT national representations."

She highlighted that CILT, with its broad membership network covering different branches of the logistics and transportation sector, supports scientific research in polar regions every year through new scientific projects with TÜBİTAK 1001 Polar calls.​

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