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Exploration
Canadian Geographic celebrates the exploration and conservation work of RCGS Explorer-in-Residence Jill Heinerth in a new Google Earth Voyager story
To commemorate World Water Day, Canadian Geographic Education has launched its second Google Earth Voyager story, highlighting the conservation work of world-renowned underwater explorer Jill Heinerth. Dive Into the Planet with Jill Heinerth examines the globe’s most pressing water issues and features stunning photographs and videos of underwater vistas, marine wildlife and polar landscapes taken by the explorer during her many expeditions.
Heinerth, The Royal Canadian Geographical Society’s first-ever Explorer-in-Residence, has completed more than 7,500 dives around the world and gone deeper into underwater caves than any other woman. She is a passionate advocate for environmental conservation and uses her skills as a photographer and filmmaker to share the fragile beauty of the underwater world.
“I swim through the veins of Mother Earth, within the lifeblood of the planet,” says Heinerth. “I hope that the stories from my adventures illuminate the geography of water and help people realize that everything we do on the surface of the Earth will be returned to us to drink.”
The aim of this Google Earth Voyager story is to raise awareness about the effects of climate change and pollution on water — our most precious natural resource. Following in Heinerth’s footsteps, viewers are transported to the many places Heinerth has explored, from underwater caves in the Bahamas to iceberg calving grounds in Greenland. The story also covers important issues such as melting sea ice, warming ocean temperatures, pollution of freshwater reservoirs and much more.
Education is essential to conservation, and Heinerth uses multiple platforms, such as her blog IntoThePlanet and her We are all Explorers school tour, which is supported by The W. Garfield Weston Foundation, to raise awareness and inspire the next generation in geography and exploration. Now, this Google Earth Voyager resource offers teachers and students one more way to delve into the geography of water and climate change.
Exploration
RCGS Explorer-in-Residence Jill Heinerth discusses the discovery of a Second World War-era bomber 50 metres below the surface in Gander Lake, Newfoundland
Exploration
Diver and photographer Jill Heinerth shares a glimpse into the summer phase of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society's Expedition of the Year
People & Culture
The RCGS Explorer-in-Residence discusses the underwater world of cave diving, the risks involved, pushing boundaries and more
People & Culture
Cave diver Jill Heinerth is one of Canada’s greatest explorers and a world-leading technical diver. She's also the RCGS's very first Explorer-in-Residence.