A conference of the URJC shows the human impact in Antarctica

Raul Garcia Hemonnet

Throughout the conference 'Emerging impacts of the human presence in Antarctica', different scientists of recognized prestige and extensive experience in Antarctica "showed us, from different perspectives, how the human presence is altering the Antarctic ecosystem", point out the Professor Yolanda Valcárcel from the Area of ​​Preventive Medicine and Public Health of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Professor Yolanda Segura from the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering of ESCET, organizers of the Conference, together with the Green Office of the URJC.

The human impact on the 'white continent' has been treated from the perspective of the trace left by the research itself, posing a dilemma for scientists, going through the presence, in this territory, of medicines, drugs and endocrine disrupting substances, or even from remains of sun creams, coming from the seas and oceans.

The Inaugural Conference was attended by D. Jerónimo López, Professor at the Autonomous University of Madrid; President of the Spanish Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR) and Honorary Member of the same.

The rector, Javier Ramos, opened the symposium and highlighted the great reception it has received from the students. The event brought together 260 students on the Móstoles campus.

Ramos welcomed the large influx of students and highlighted the transversal nature of the day's theme, as evidenced by the origin of the students: Business Administration, Law, Environmental Sciences, Biology, Primary Education, Engineering, Psychology, Nursing , etc.

'In love' with Antarctica

The organizers of the conference want it to continue, for this they have launched the hashtag #estoyinloveconlaAntartida, which they have spread by giving away to the attendees a screen-printed pen with this motto. As of this day, "the URJC wants to lead a Network of Madrid Universities in support of Antarctica that allows similar days open to the participation of the entire university community", indicate the teachers.

According to professors Valcárcel and Segura, “the venue for the next edition is already being sought”. As it gets underway, they have opened a book in support of Antarctica in the URJC Green Office blog, where, whoever wishes, can, say the teachers, "share their concerns, knowledge and reflections" on the conservation of Antarctica.