CLIMATE CHANGE AT THE ARCTIC'S EDGE
Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
A long-term environmental research programme to understand climate-related changes in northern ecosystems. Each year of data helps contribute towards a greater understanding of these systems and evidences the signs of global environmental change. Participants help collect data on features of permafrost, soil, tree growth, plant phenology, mammals and birds.
SEA TO TREES AT ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
Acadia National Park, Maine, USA
Climate change is altering the populations and behaviours of species, and how they interact. It is also leading to ocean acidification which affects the ecology and physiology of intertidal species. Scientists are gathering information to help solve the challenges caused by climate change in one of America’s most beautiful national parks. Participants on this project will contribute to large and long-term efforts to understand how we can best protect our natural treasures in a time of rapid change.
SEA TO TREES AT ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
Acadia National Park, Maine, USA
Climate change is altering the populations and behaviours of species, and how they interact. It is also leading to ocean acidification which affects the ecology and physiology of intertidal species. Scientists are gathering information to help solve the challenges caused by climate change in one of America’s most beautiful national parks. Participants on this project will contribute to large and long-term efforts to understand how we can best protect our natural treasures in a time of rapid change.
CLIMATE CHANGE IN WYTHAM WOODS
Wytham Woods, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Forests store vast quantities of carbon above and below ground. Forests are incredibly complex ecosystems, so it is important to understand how climate and land-use change may affect how they store carbon in future. This research investigates the impact of fragmentation (being broken into smaller patches) on the forest’s response to climate change. Participants measure carbon stocks and fluxes within the woodland, for example by performing measurements of trees, dead wood and leaf litter. Participants learn about forests globally and other research projects in the woods on topics such as mammals, birds, and fungi.
FreshWater Watch
River Thames, London, United Kingdom
In London, Shell and Earthwatch have teamed up with Centre of Ecology & Hydrology, and the Environment Agency, to assess water quality at sampling sites along the River Thames. The data will be used to predict and manage changes in land use and water treatment in the coming years.
FreshWater Watch
The Hague, The Netherlands
In The Hague, Shell and Earthwatch have teamed with UNESCO Institute for Water Education to help provide a fundamental contribution to the understanding of how urbanisation impacts the water quality and ecosystem conditions of ponds.
WILDLIFE IN THE CHANGING ANDORRAN PYRENEES
Valley of Ordino, Andorran Pyrenees, Andorra
How will climate change and human encroachment change the alpine environment? In the high slopes of the Andorran Pyrenees climate change has already begun to alter the landscape. Some species are moving to higher latitudes, and some have begun to decline. Not much is known about the amazing biodiversity of the forests and alpine meadows, and participants will help identify the key species in the ecosystem and how they are changing. They will weigh and measure small mammals, identify bird species and observe bumblebees as they visit flowering plants.
BUTTERFLIES AND BEES IN THE INDIAN HIMALAYAS
Kullu Valley, India
The research studies the impact of climate change on fragile plant species and the effect of decreased plant biodiversity on the numbers of pollinators in orchards and fields. India’s Kullu Valley is famous for its apple orchards and farms, but the numbers of pollinators such as bees and butterflies are declining, which has a big impact on local livelihoods. Participants will collect vital data about plants growing at different elevations and the activities of butterflies and bees. They will also meet local communities to understand the local way of life. The findings will help to develop policies for agricultural management in the Indian Himalayan region.
FRESHWATER WATCH IN BANGALORE
Bangalore, India
The launch of FreshWater Watch in Bangalore is a key milestone for the Shell FreshWater Watch programme. The programme in Bangalore will take on a similar structure to that in The Hague. Participant will attend a training day at Begur Lake and then be split into groups to monitor and test waterbodies in Bhagmane, Puttenhalli and Vartur. The data they collect will go toward the research of partner Dr Gururaja KV.
EARTH SKILLS NETWORK
Lajuma Research Centre, South Africa
The Earth Skills Network partners Shell’s business professionals with protected area managers, offering business insights and training to help managers of some of the world’s most precious natural areas meet organisational challenges. Mentors and protected area representatives meet in South Africa to share their experiences and build a mentoring relationship, which lasts for at least 12 months.
CONSERVING LEOPARDS AND MONKEYS IN SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa
Mountainous environments are becoming increasingly important as conservation refuges for many mammalian species in South Africa, especially in the face of growing pressures from farming and other commercial activities. These and other changes in the use of mountainous lands, along with government land reforms, pose heightened risks to the conservation potential of these regions. Participants will assist scientists conducting research in three critical areas: investigating the presence and diversity of important species, assessing the extent of human–wildlife conflict and investigating possible mitigation strategies, and increasing environmental awareness in local communities.
Earthwatch Partnership Locations
Select a region to discover where Shell and Earthwatch work together.
- Earthwatch Expedition
- Enhanced Learning Programme
- Earth Skills Network
- FreshWater Watch
