Video: Who Is Not Funding This Antarctic Expedition?
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by Raymond Zhong, Chang W. Lee, Kassie Bracken, Jon Miller, Stephanie Swart and Anna CasperFebruary 21, 2026
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The article discusses the challenges faced by an Antarctic expedition due to insufficient funding, highlighting America's evolving relationship with polar research in the context of rising sea levels and climate change threats. Reporter Raymond Zhong and his team explore how shifting priorities and financial constraints are impacting U.S. efforts in this critical area of scientific study.
Historically, the National Science Foundation has been a key supporter of Antarctic expeditions, but recent years have seen reduced funding and delays in projects. The piece delves into the broader implications of these shifts, including strained international collaborations and potential gaps in climate data crucial for understanding global sea-level rise. Zhong emphasizes how these changes affect not only scientific progress but also the nation's ability to address pressing environmental challenges.
The article underscores the importance of polar research in addressing rising sea levels, which threaten coastal communities worldwide. It raises questions about whether current funding levels are sufficient to meet the scale of the climate crisis and calls
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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/21/2026