| Autor: |
Joyce KE; School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.; Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Human Integrative and Environmental Physiology Lab, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA., Campbell CA; Department of General Medicine, Nelson Hospital, Nelson, New Zealand., Bradwell AR; College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK., Lucas SJE; School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK., Lewis CT; Department of Anesthesia, Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand Southern, Invercargill, New Zealand., Lucas RAI; School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK., Edsell M; The Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK. |
| Abstrakt: |
Joyce, Kelsey E., Catherine A. Campbell, Arthur R. Bradwell, Samuel J.E. Lucas, Christopher T. Lewis, Rebekah A.I. Lucas, and Mark Edsell. The environmental impact of a high-altitude medical research expedition. High Alt Med Biol. 00:00-00, 2024. Introduction: Scientists must begin examining the environmental cost(s) of their research. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a component of the environmental impact of a high-altitude medical research expedition by totaling the carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions calculated from as many direct and indirect sources as possible. Methods: Eighteen individuals flew from London to Bagdogra (via Delhi), and then drove onward to Lachung (via Gangtok) where they began their ascent on foot to 4,800 m (Kanchenjunga National Park, Sikkim). Several research experiments were conducted throughout the expedition, which required use of a laboratory centrifuge, solid CO 2 (specimen storage), rechargeable laptop computers and battery-powered oximeters. International Civil Aviation Organization calculators estimated aviation CO 2 production. Land emissions were calculated for Mahindra vehicles. Solid waste was weighed and CO 2 emissions estimated for its incineration. Results : Total CO 2 emissions equated to ∼16.7 tonnes from the following sources: air and land transportation of expedition team (87.3%); sublimation and transportation of solid CO 2 (7.7%), waste incineration (0.58%), generator transportation and gasoline (12 l) combustion (0.48%), and battery transportation (3.3%). Conclusions : Air travel contributed the most to the overall environmental cost of the research expedition. Further investigation is required to contextualize these findings in relation to lab-based alternative(s). |
