March 15

In 1823, American seafarer Benjamin Morrell published accounts of a supposed island he called New South Greenland. He claimed to have sighted and charted this landmass near Antarctica during his southern voyages. Later explorers found no trace of the island Morrell described, revealing it as a cartographic error. Despite its inaccuracy, the phantom island appeared on many maps throughout the 19th century. Morrell’s tale highlights the challenges and uncertainties of early polar exploration. It served as a cautionary example for navigators relying on unverified reports.

The global climate strike was inspired by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and organized under the ‘Fridays for Future’ movement. Participants staged walkouts from schools and workplaces to call on political leaders to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and commit to ambitious environmental policies. Events took place on every continent, with protesters gathering outside parliaments, civic centers, and corporate offices. The mass mobilization highlighted the growing urgency of the climate crisis and the rising influence of youth activism worldwide. Media coverage of the strikes helped to shape public discourse on sustainability and intergenerational responsibility.