Robert Swan and his son Barney describe how persistence and resilience play into everything they do, from overcoming the bitter cold of Antarctica to finding ways to protect our planet
According to Nasa, the year 2020 rivalled 2016 for the title of the warmest year on record. “We are headed for a catastrophic temperature rise of three to five degrees celsius this century,” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres before adding that unprecedented weather extremes are being seen in every region and on every continent. “Making peace with nature is the defining task of the 21st century. It must be the top priority for everyone, everywhere.”
For celebrated British polar explorer Robert Swan and his 26-year-old son Barney, fighting climate change has long been a priority, if not a life mission.
Robert spearheads a 50-year mission to preserve Antarctica through his 2041 Foundation, where efforts include organising educational expeditions for leaders of all kinds—both current and future—to the planet’s southernmost continent. A firm believer in recycling and renewable energy, he regularly engages with businesses and communities to promote climate science and sustainable practices. Last December, he was invited to speak at the Global Green Economic Forum's Women Eco Game Changer Awards, which recognised female innovators and leaders in sustainability and environment in Asia including Dr Noryawati Mulyono of PT Seaweedtama Biopac and Sahar Mansoor of Bare Necessities.
Robert is also the first person to walk both the North and South Poles.
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Barney, too, possesses the same adventurous streak as his father. In 2017, he became the first person to walk the South Pole powered only by renewable energy. Robert was also part of the 600-mile expedition, the South Pole Energy Challenge—through which he and Barney wanted to show the potential of renewable energy, even in the world’s most inhospitable environment—but he had to drop out midway after dislocating his hip.
That same year, Barney also started his own environmental organisation, ClimateForce, which is headquartered in the town of Mossman, Queensland, Australia.
The non-profit is driven by a mission to reduce 360 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions by the year 2025. It focuses on promoting environmental action through education and the innovation of sustainable development solutions.
One of its major ongoing efforts is Tropical Regen, a biodiversity protection and restoration initiative. Under it, Barney and his team are currently working on a pilot project in Australia to regenerate a rainforest corridor in the Daintree, the oldest rainforest system in the world.
Robert and Barney Swan tell us more here about their environmental journeys and goals, as well as their next big polar adventure, Undaunted: Southpole 2022.