Polar Horizon

28/08/2026

Polar geoengineering is a complex and often controversial topic and that’s exactly why it deserves informed, open discussion.

In a recent presentation during her work in the Arctic , Polar Horizon’s co-founder Sara Catella introduced what geoengineering actually means, why it is being discussed in the context of the polar regions, and some of the projects and approaches being explored that could potentially help slow aspects of climate change.

The goal was not to advocate for geoengineering as a solution, but to explain the science and ideas behind it.

As climate change continues to transform the polar regions, we believe it is important to understand the full range of ideas being researched including the controversial ones and to create space for thoughtful, evidence-based discussion.

21/08/2026

Permafrost: the frozen ground that matters to the whole climate system

When we think about the cryosphere, glaciers, ice sheets and sea ice often come to mind. But there is another crucial component beneath our feet: permafrost.

Permafrost is ground that remains at or below 0°C for at least two consecutive years. It is widespread across the Arctic and other cold regions, and in some places it has remained frozen for thousands of years.

But why is it so important?

It is a major part of the cryosphere.
Permafrost connects frozen ground with ecosystems, hydrology, snow cover and the atmosphere. As temperatures rise, the seasonally thawed “active layer” can deepen and previously frozen ground can begin to thaw.

It stores enormous amounts of carbon.
Frozen soils preserve organic matter that has accumulated over centuries and millennia. When permafrost thaws, microorganisms can decompose some of this material, releasing carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere.

It interacts with the climate system.
These greenhouse gas emissions can contribute to further warming, creating a positive climate feedback: warming leads to permafrost thaw, which can lead to additional greenhouse gas emissions, reinforcing warming.

Its thaw also transforms landscapes.
Permafrost degradation can alter ecosystems and water systems, destabilise slopes and coastlines, and damage infrastructure in Arctic communities.

Understanding permafrost therefore means understanding much more than frozen soil. It means exploring the connections between the cryosphere, carbon cycle, ecosystems and global climate.

11/08/2026

Today, on World Krill Day 2026, we’re celebrating one of the most important and often overlooked species on our planet.

Antarctic krill may be small, but they are the foundation of the Southern Ocean ecosystem. They nourish whales, penguins, seals, seabirds, and countless other marine species while playing an essential role in the health of our oceans and our climate.

As our climate changes, the future of krill is increasingly intertwined with the future of the polar regions. Understanding these connections is key to protecting one of Earth’s most fragile and vital environments.

At Polar Horizon, our mission is to make the polar regions more accessible through education, inspiring people to understand how what happens at the poles affects all of us—and empowering individuals to take action for our shared future.

This World Krill Day, let’s remember that even the smallest species can have an extraordinary impact. By learning more, sharing knowledge, and supporting science and conservation, we can all help protect the incredible ecosystems that depend on krill.

Because protecting the poles means protecting our planet.

03/08/2026

One of the most rewarding parts of an Arctic expedition happens long after we’ve left the zodiac and the cameras have been put away. It’s when we come together to better understand the incredible places we’ve been exploring.

Today, our Co-Founder, Sara Catella shared her passion for the polar regions through an onboard lecture titled « From Pole to Pole: How Climate Change in Polar Regions Is Redefining Our World. »
While Sara spends her days guiding guests through the Arctic’s breathtaking landscapes, she also enjoys bringing the science behind these environments to life.

Her talk explored why the Arctic and Antarctica are experiencing climate change in different ways, the forces driving these changes in both hemispheres, and how what happens at the poles influences weather patterns and atmospheric events across the rest of our planet.

For us at Polar Horizon, every expedition is about more than reaching remote destinations. It’s about creating meaningful connections with nature, with science, and with a deeper understanding of our changing world.

Because the more we understand the poles, the more we understand the future of our planet.

ExpeditionCruise ExploreToUnderstand

29/07/2026

We are happy to announce that our Learning Hub has been updated with exciting new topics!

You will now find lesson plans covering:

* Introduction to Polar Regions
* The Difference Between Weather and Climate
* The Climate System: Hydrosphere, Atmosphere, Lithosphere, Cryosphere, and Biosphere

In addition, you’ll discover a wide range of infographics designed to complement the lessons and enhance the learning experience.

All materials are available to download free of charge after a simple one-time registration.

Education is the key to understanding our planet and taking action to protect it. Join us in exploring these resources and helping build a more sustainable future.

The Polar Horizon Learning Hub is our open-access educational library, designed to make knowledge about the polar regions, climate, and our interconnected Earth system accessible to learners everywhere.

27/07/2026

Some places don’t ask to be understood only felt.

In Svalbard, the silence is vast, the light endless, and nature gently reminds you how small and how fortunate you are.

Our co-founder Sara Catella is currently working in the Arctic, sharing with us the extraordinary beauty of this unique region while reminding us of something even more important: the urgent need to protect the Arctic and preserve its fragile ecosystems for future generations.

22/07/2026

Imagine surviving in a world where winter temperatures plunge below −50°C.

The Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) does exactly that. Wrapped in one of the warmest coats in the animal kingdom, it transforms from brilliant white in winter to brown or gray in summer, blending seamlessly into its ever-changing surroundings. With remarkable hearing, it can detect prey beneath deep snow, while its resilience and adaptability allow it to thrive in one of Earth’s harshest environments.

A small predator with extraordinary survival skills, the Arctic fox is a powerful reminder that success often comes not from size or strength, but from the ability to adapt.

18/07/2026

Seeing a polar bear in the wild in Svalbard is both inspiring and humbling.

As the Arctic warms nearly four times faster than the global average, the sea ice that polar bears depend on for hunting, traveling, and raising their young is disappearing at an alarming pace.

Standing in their habitat, it’s impossible not to reflect on what climate change really means. It’s no longer an abstract concept or a distant prediction—it’s a reality unfolding before our eyes.

Protecting the Arctic is about more than saving an iconic species. It’s about preserving one of the Earth’s most important ecosystems and recognizing that what happens in the Arctic affects us all.

The future of the polar bear is closely tied to the choices we make today.

13/07/2026

Our co-founder Sara Catella has just arrived in the Arctic, where she is working since many years as a polar expedition guide. Working in polar regions is a unique experience of one of the world’s most extraordinary and rapidly changing environments firsthand.

Every year, the Arctic sea ice tells a story and it’s one the whole world should be paying attention to.

Sea ice is more than frozen water. It acts like Earth’s giant mirror, reflecting sunlight back into space and helping keep our planet cool. As that ice shrinks, the darker ocean absorbs more heat, accelerating warming and setting off a chain reaction that influences weather, ecosystems, and sea levels around the globe.

The Arctic is often described as the planet’s early warning system. The changes happening there today offer a glimpse of the future we’re creating and a reminder of why science, collaboration, and climate action matter more than ever.

As our co-founder embarks again on this journey, we look forward to sharing insights, stories, and observations from the Arctic, helping bring this remarkable region a little closer to all of us.

09/07/2026

As the co-founder of Polar Horizon, I've always believed that inspiring the next generation is one of the most powerful ways to protect our planet. Education sparks curiosity, and curiosity inspires action.
That belief is what inspired me to write Chilly & Frosty: The Great Journey Between the Two Poles.
This heartwarming story takes young readers on an unforgettable adventure between Antarctica and the Arctic. When curious penguin Chilly leaves his icy home to explore the world, he discovers remarkable wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and an unexpected friend Frosty, a playful polar bear cub. Together, they explore the wonders of Earth's polar regions and discover how friendship, curiosity, and exploration can help us better understand and care for our planet.
Blending storytelling with real-world learning, the book encourages children to explore, ask questions, and develop a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.
I'm delighted to share that the book is now available to purchase on Amazon.
What makes this project especially meaningful is that every royalty I receive from the book is donated to Polar Horizon to fund our educational projects. Every purchase helps us bring engaging learning experiences about the Arctic, Antarctica, climate science, and environmental stewardship to children, schools, and communities.
I hope Chilly & Frosty not only inspires young readers but also helps create opportunities for more children to discover the beauty, importance, and fragility of our planet's polar regions.
Thank you to everyone who has supported this journey. Your encouragement has made this project possible, and I can't wait to see Chilly and Frosty begin their own adventure with readers around the world.
If you'd like to support Polar Horizon's mission, I'd be grateful if you would consider purchasing a copy or sharing this post with others.