Skeptic's Corner: And the downside is...?

Yes just imagine. All those countless square miles of barren tundra overrun with vast invasive green forests filled with creatures bent on...uh...life.

Will planet Earth tolerate such an affront to it's territorial rights?

Chills, drills, spills and thrills | Catlin Arctic Survey

Their mission is to collect data for the third Catlin Arctic Survey – a scientific research programme into the impacts of climate and environmental change in the Arctic.

Catlin Arctic Survey Director Pen Hadow knows firsthand what the group will experience, having led the first Catlin Arctic Survey in 2009. “During the first month explorers, scientists and operations staff will work in the coldest conditions. Temperatures are likely to dip as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius which, with the wind chill factor, could plummet to minus 75 degrees Celsius. The team have all the gear, equipment and training they need, but it will still take time to establish new daily routines in such inhospitable conditions.”

“It’s very difficult getting used to working in the extreme cold. You’re trying to do quite exacting science while wearing anything up to four layers of gloves. It takes time to learn how to avoid the worst of the cold without overheating in too much clothing. That’s an Arctic challenge in its itself.”