Hearts In The Ice

Hearts in the Ice, created by Hilde Fålun Strøm and Sunniva Sorby, is a platform for social engagement connecting students, scientists, manufacturers, environmental organizations, and all who care about the health of our planet, in the conversation around climate change.

   Hearts In The Ice promotes global dialogue about the changes we are experiencing in the Polar Regions, why these changes matter for the rest of the world, and what we can do about protecting our natural world.

Bamsebu began in 2019 as a 9-month overwintering project in the High Arctic of Svalbard, Norway. From August 2019 – May 2020,  Hilde (Norway) and Sunniva (Canada) inhabited the 20 sq mtr trappers cabin “Bamsebu”- 78’N.  They are the first women in history to over-winter in Svalbard without men. 

Hearts In The Ice promotes conversation on issues relating to adventure, female leadership, STEMM, sustainability, Innovation, exploration, diversity, climate action, alternative energy and pushing our boundaries!

Following months of groundwork, www.heartsintheice.com was launched on October 2, 2018. At that time there was a handful of sponsors, a few dedicated advisory board members, and a small number of committed partners, but most importantly, two hearts with a vision to make a difference bigger than themselves, and the energy to make it happen.  By October 2019 that vision was a reality. Sunniva and Hilde were at Bamsebu and the adventure had begun!  

   Where we are now 2020-2021

Education: Hearts In The Ice regularly engages school classrooms from around the world in the climate change conversation with live satellite video chats from Bamsebu with Hilde & Sunniva plus highly qualified guest speakers. Check here for the monthly topics from Nov-May 2021.

Advisory Board: Hearts In The Ice is advised by an impressive 16 member advisory board consisting of scientists, educators, and business leaders committed to advancing knowledge and expanding the climate change conversation on a global level.

Sponsors and Partners:  In a short time since Hearts In The Ice launched, they had attracted more than 25 Corporate Sponsors providing equipment, services and critical funding, 27 In-Kind sponsors providing every day essentials, and 25 Partners who committed to furnishing services and promoting Hearts In The Ice through their businesses and social media. 

For the year 2020-21 they have 10 major sponsors and 14 in-kind sponsors to help them drive change and engagement even further.

Citizen Science: Hilde and Sunniva serve as citizen scientists at Bamsebu by collecting data for existing research being conducted in the Arctic. Due to their combined 46 years of observations and experience in the Arctic and Antarctic, they are uniquely qualified and inspired to be of service in this way.

Technology: They are actively testing innovative technologies, including solar and wind equipment from Power Controlls, Iridium satellite communication from Marlink,  and field testing a Marlink Telemed Kit. They have the smallest carbon footprint possible, reducing all packaging from their suppliers and providers.