North Greenland Expedition 2018

During the first Leister Expedition “Experiences and Reflections on Climate Change,” which took place in 2018, an interdisciplinary team from the domains of research, science, diplomacy, and art followed the west coast of Greenland all the way up to the far north.

Greenland: a unique island that exercises a fascination over many people with its exposed climate and endless landscapes of ice. Home to major climate and polar research stations, it provides an ideal starting point for an expedition, against the backdrop of global discussions about the climate.

The 2018 Greenland Expedition marked the beginning of the Leister Foundation’s commitment to supporting scientific research projects in Greenland.

Initiated by Christiane Leister and Dr. Benedikt Wechsler, the Swiss ambassador to Denmark at the time, the expedition involved an interdisciplinary team from the domains of research, science, diplomacy, and art who followed the west coast of Greenland all the way up to the far north. Its mission was to directly observe the impact of climate change on the ground, to open up new perspectives, and to encourage dialogue between international and local actors.

Logistics and Team

The nine-day expedition took the team to a variety of locations, including Ilulissat, the Swiss Camp, the EGRIP station, and even such remote sites as Qaanaaq and Washington Land. Thanks to careful logistical preparations—including flights with Twin Otters and helicopters—the participants were able to visit far-flung research stations and difficult-to-access regions.

The team included scientists from the University of Bern, artists from Switzerland, and representatives from the Danish and Greenlandic research communities.

Main Research Areas: The Climate and Ice

The expedition focused on the impact of climate change on the Greenland ice sheet. By visiting the research stations Swiss Camp, EGRIP, and Arctic Station, it was possible to obtain direct insight into ongoing research projects, which ranged from testing the world’s smallest ice probe to making geophysical measurements and analyzing ice cores. The results of these projects provide important evidence about tipping points in the global climate system and highlight the role played by Greenland in rising sea levels.

Landscape and Change

Visually, this expedition was marked by enormous glaciers, retreating ice, and vegetation in ice-free areas that displayed a surprising abundance of species. In addition to studying the development of vegetation, emphasis was also placed on encounters with the local population. The expedition members were given a glimpse into the lives of the Inuit in Kullorsuaq, Qaanaaq, and other groups—communities that are grappling with profound environmental changes in their daily lives.

Dialogue and Collaboration

The expedition was defined by exchange and collaboration: between natural and social sciences, between art and research, and between local and international actors. Particularly valuable was the close connection between science and artistic reflection—through photography, drawing, and installations that made the topic of climate change emotionally and visually tangible. As part of the “Swiss-Danish-Greenlandic Seminar” in Ilulissat, perspectives for establishing a Greenlandic research center were discussed.

A Prelude to Another Expedition and a Book

The 2018 Greenland Expedition was more than just a research trip—it marked the beginning of the Leister Foundation’s long-term engagement with the Arctic. The scientific, diplomatic, and artistic impulse arising from the expedition continues to make itself felt today.

An extensive book documents the expedition, replete with texts, photographs, and works of art. It is available free of charge from the Leister Foundation.

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