Italian Composer Ludovico Einaudi Plays on the Arctic Ocean

Two weeks ago, Italian composer and pianist Ludovico Einaudi performed on a floating glacier in the middle of the Arctic Ocean. This performance was not for his own good, but for the good of the world, as his ultimate goal was to help save the Arctic.

Scientists have warned that the Arctic has been melting much faster than expected. The main causes of this phenomenon are destructive fishing and oil spilling. However, why do people worldwide care so much about the Arctic? The Arctic is home to several unique animals, including polar bears, regulates the climate, and is said to be a global treasure. Recently, Greenpeace, a non-governmental environmental organization, stated that "the Arctic Ocean is the least protected sea in the world, its high seas currently have no legal safeguards."

In order to raise awareness of the danger the Arctic is in, a Greenpeace ship with over 8 million voices set off from the Netherlands to the Arctic. Along the way, the ship stopped by Norway and picked up Ludovico Einaudi, who brought along a grand piano. What Einaudi did was unimaginable. He played his own composition, "Elegy for the Arctic," which was sponsored by Greenpeace. His performance was undoubtedly majestic and within weeks, many people started becoming alert to the current situation of the Arctic.

However, Einaudi's performance was not simply purposeless. It coincided with a special occasion that took place this last week. From the 20th to the 24th of June, OSPAR (an international environmental committee of 15 countries) held a meeting in Spain to come to a unified conclusion. Their proposal was to safeguard 10% of the Arctic Ocean. Although this may seem like an easy decision, three countries, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland are against the proposal. Unfortunately, the power and influence these countries hold are great, and somehow, they need to be persuaded to changed their opinions.

Although we live extremely far away from the Arctic, the impact of this region is enormous. What Einaudi did was only part of many people's voices. However, it touched many people's hearts around the world, and hopefully, the three countries will change their opinions. 10% may not seem much at first, but it is a great start to protecting the polar-white Arctic.

Save the Arctic!

By Soo Lee