Aurora Expeditions, Australia’s award-winning travel adventure company, is looking for 100 thrill-seekers from around the world to join the world-first Antarctic Climate Expedition in 2023.
Led by renowned oceanographer, marine biologist, explorer and conservationist Dr Sylvia Earle, the successful applicants will to “crew” the pivotal and far-reaching climate summit expedition to arguably the world’s most spectacular and biodiverse wilderness regions.
The expedition organisers are seeking thought-leaders in the fields of science, art, education and economics, alongside inquisitive teenagers and corporate executives.
The “by-invitation” Climate Summit, comprising conservationists, high-profile personalities and ocean luminaries, is aiming to raise public and government awareness of the splendour and importance of the Antarctic.
Dr Sylvia Earle: “This can have a real impact on the future of our relationship with life on Earth” Image courtesy of Chad Brown
“This will be a climate expedition like no other that can have a real impact on the future of our relationship with life on Earth,” says Dr Earle.
The groundbreaking 12-day expedition starts on 13 February, 2023, with two nights and a full-day conference in Ushuaia, Argentina, followed by a nine-day voyage onboard Aurora Expeditions’ brand-new ship, the Sylvia Earle, and ends with a post-voyage night in Punta Arenas, Chile.
The route features the Drake Passage, Aitcho Islands off the Antarctic Peninsula, Hope Bay, Brown Bluff, Enterprise Island and Lemaire Channel, among other key destinations.
In partnership with Ocean Geographic and Dr Earle, the expedition’s master plan is to address the warming climate and loss of ice in the southern polar region as a direct threat to the future of human life on our planet.
It will confront the consequences of environmental change and develop creative strategies to radically reduce carbon emissions. Expedition members will help formulate 23 resolutions to inspire transformative changes for global net-zero emission by 2050.
Other outcomes will include a series of lectures, a feature documentary, exhibitions and a book.
“The stories and images from this game-changing expedition aim to encourage the way people see and understand the Antarctic,” says Aurora Expeditions CEO Monique Ponfoort.
“We invite you to be part of the legacy that helps bring about a healthy, sustainable and habitable planet,” she adds. “This is a unique opportunity to discover the beauty and majesty of Antarctica, the last pristine wilderness of penguins, seals, seabirds, glaciers and icebergs, in the company of Dr Earle and her special guests.”
The Sylvia Earle, named in honour of Dr Earle, is a new purpose-built ship is designed for discovery to the most remote and beautiful places on earth.
The ideal ‘base camp’ for adventures at the outer limits of human exploration, the ship has everything needed to maximise comfort and relaxation while making enriching discoveries.
The ship also features a modern lecture lounge, a Citizen Science Centre, multiple observation areas, Zodiac launching platforms, mud room, gym, spa and wellness centre. Every cabin features an ocean view and nearly all include balconies.
“February 2023 will be a moment in time of a gathering of great minds, a brains trust, for commitments to resolve what it takes to move from where we are now to a better future,” says Dr Earle.
“This can be your legacy; you can help change the current course from a catastrophic outcome to a healthy, habitable planet” she adds. “Please do this for the next generation, for the future of humanity.”