Record breaking explorer tackles toughest challenge yet

Intrepid adventurer uses solo polar expedition to spur action against climate change

How far would you go to demonstrate your commitment to combatting climate change? To the ends of the earth? Polar explorer and adventurer Mark Wood is doing just that.

Mark Wood is used to conquering extreme challenges. From 2007’s Top Gear expedition to the Magnetic North Pole to a 70 day ‘Arctic survival’ expedition, he has seen more than most. But next month Mark sets off for his toughest challenge to date.

Mark is attempting to become the first person in history to solo ski both the South and North Geographic Poles consecutively. Classed by Sir Ranulph Fiennes as “the toughest journey on the planet”, the expedition is highly ambitious, but for Mark it’s not the hardest part.

“All my life I’ve wanted to walk in the footsteps of the great explorers” explained Mark. “But thanks to man’s destruction of the planet, the paths they mapped no longer exist. The effects of climate change have left a very different landscape.”

Mark is using his challenge to engage people with the effects of climate change. He has set up an educational schools programme, where students can track his progress and speak to him at key milestones on his journey.

Using a unique sponsorship platform, The DoNation (thedonation.org.uk), Mark is asking people for support, not in cash but action. Anyone can pledge an action, ranging from eating less meat to installing solar panels. The carbon saved from each individual’s actions will be added together to reach Mark’s target of 100,000kg of carbon dioxide.

Mark said: “110 days is a long time to spend alone with only the ice caps for company. Knowing that I’ll be supported by thousands of individuals pledging to make a difference is fantastic. Combatting climate change is the greatest challenge of our generation, and only by acting together can we hope to succeed.”

To find out how you can support Mark click here.

For the chance to meet Mark as he prepares for this extraordinary journey email Suzy on suzannah.greenwood@life-size-media.com. She will be co-ordinating media interviews prior to Mark’s departure on 9 November.