Exploring the Polar Regions with Dr. Ulyana Horodyskyj Peña

The Polar Regions are some of the most extreme and fascinating places on Earth, offering invaluable insights into our planet’s climate system. In this inspiring talk on the Polar Routes YouTube channel, glaciologist and 2020 Leif Erikson Young Explorer Dr. Ulyana Horodyskyj Peña takes us on a journey through Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Himalayas, where she studies glaciers and their rapid transformations due to climate change.

Dr. Peña shares firsthand experiences of working in extreme conditions, from navigating deep crevasses to enduring freezing temperatures, all in the pursuit of scientific discovery. Her research highlights how glacial melt affects sea levels, ecosystems, and global weather patterns, reinforcing the urgency of climate action.

Beyond her scientific work, Dr. Peña is passionate about making climate science accessible to the public. Through storytelling and outreach, she aims to inspire the next generation of explorers, researchers, and conservationists.

Watch the full talk below to learn about the wonders of the polar regions, the challenges of field research, and what we can do to protect these fragile environments.