The North Pole is melting faster than the rest of the planet due to global warming, and recent actions by an explorer from Malaga have sparked debate. To illustrate the impact, a team accompanying him transported a Greenland iceberg to Malaga for display on a central street, hoping to make the effects of climate change visible to residents of the Andalusian capital.
A group including cancer survivors, traveling with Manuel Calvo from Malaga, documented the chain of events in the last five years. His two sons joined the effort, along with five young people ages 15 to 17: Melanie, Julia, Nora, Alex, and Edu. This is the eighth expedition of its kind undertaken by the 56-year-old explorer, who has long drawn attention to the Arctic’s rapid warming, a region heating nearly four times faster than the global average.
The journey began on July 17 and lasted 17 days. In addition to the voyage, there was an opportunity to explore the southern portion of the island by canoe, an area renowned for its inflatable boats and fjords, offering a close-up view of the icy landscape.
On this trek, the explorers met with Inuit communities, the indigenous people who have inhabited the Arctic for generations. They slept in tents and small homes tucked within the ice cover, sharing stories and knowledge about life in extreme conditions.
The team traveled roughly 300 kilometers south of Greenland and collected scientific observations that relate to the effects of climate change. These findings were supported by researchers at the University of Malaga, providing a local connection to a global issue.
The iceberg at the center of the debate
The most striking and controversial part of the expedition involved the presentation of a sizable iceberg, placed in Malaga, to convey the message that Arctic ice is melting and that action is necessary to protect it. The iceberg, weighing about 15,000 pounds, was kept in a cold container at minus 22 degrees Celsius and displayed in the city center to make the effect of warming tangible for observers.
“Bringing an iceberg to Spain helps people here see something that is hard to observe even in the Arctic,” explained Manuel Calvo, who led the team and coordinated with media outlets for coverage.
The event also included a set of educational activities intended to keep the conversation about the environment active. The organizers hoped that seeing the iceberg up close would motivate citizens to regard climate change with urgency and to consider personal actions in daily life.
Public response and criticism
Some ecologists and climate advocates criticized the project, arguing that it trivializes a serious global challenge. They cited concerns that large-scale displays may obscure the deeper, systemic changes needed to reduce emissions and protect vulnerable communities. According to members of environmental groups in Malaga, the initiative should focus on tangible steps such as reducing energy waste and supporting sustainable policies rather than dramatic displays alone.
Proponents replied that the display was a provocative prompt designed to spark discussion and raise awareness about the Arctic and the broader phenomenon of global warming. They emphasized that the ice piece was intended to educate the public and illustrate the importance of water conservation and responsible resource use. The team returned to Malaga after the event in late July, carrying with them a call to action for ongoing citizen engagement and stewardship of the environment.
In the ongoing dialogue about climate solutions, supporters and critics alike acknowledge that public awareness matters. The hope is that the conversation continues beyond a single exhibit and translates into sustained behavior changes, policy support, and community initiatives focused on climate resilience.
Notes and reflections from the organizers highlight the value of presenting scientific observations to the public in accessible ways while encouraging responsible, energy-efficient choices. The Arctic remains a focal point for understanding how rapid changes in one region can echo globally, underscoring the need for informed action by communities, institutions, and governments alike.
For further context and references to the event, researchers and organizers point to peer-reviewed observations and local academic contributions from institutions such as the University of Malaga, alongside field notes gathered during the expedition. The overarching message centers on awareness, education, and collective responsibility in the face of climate change.