The Environmental Impact of a High-Altitude Medical Research Expedition

Abstract

Joyce, Kelsey E., Catherine A. Campbell, Arthur R. Bradwell, Samuel J.E. Lucas, Christopher T. Lewis, Rebekah A.I. Lucas, and Mark Edsell; for the Birmingham Medical Research Expeditionary Society (BMRES). The environmental impact of a high-altitude medical research expedition. High Alt Med Biol. 26:140–147, 2025.

Introduction:

Scientists must begin examining the environmental cost(s) of their research. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a component of the environmental impact of a high-altitude medical research expedition by totaling the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions calculated from as many direct and indirect sources as possible.

Methods:

Eighteen individuals flew from London to Bagdogra (via Delhi), and then drove onward to Lachung (via Gangtok) where they began their ascent on foot to 4,800 m (Kanchenjunga National Park, Sikkim). Several research experiments were conducted throughout the expedition, which required use of a laboratory centrifuge, solid CO₂ (specimen storage), rechargeable laptop computers and battery-powered oximeters. International Civil Aviation Organization calculators estimated aviation CO₂ production. Land emissions were calculated for Mahindra vehicles. Solid waste was weighed and CO₂ emissions estimated for its incineration.

Results:

Total CO₂ emissions equated to ∼16.7 tonnes from the following sources: air and land transportation of expedition team (87.3%); sublimation and transportation of solid CO₂ (7.7%), waste incineration (0.58%), generator transportation and gasoline (12 l) combustion (0.48%), and battery transportation (3.3%).

Conclusions:

Air travel contributed the most to the overall environmental cost of the research expedition. Further investigation is required to contextualize these findings in relation to lab-based alternative(s).