03-10-2008 - Earth

sagar: Author=’Lindsay Patterson’ program=’5412′ video=”(Credit: Martin Male)Today’s explorers no longer have to head off alone into uncharted territory. In many ways, they can bring the modern world along with them. That’ll be the case in April 2008, when Arctic explorer Will Steger sets out on a dogsled expedition with an international group of six explorers, all younger than age 30. They’re planning to share their photos and daily experiences through the internet as they trek. Steger said it’s the opportunity to communicate and educate about the environment that keeps him exploring – now, at the age of 63.

Will Steger: The internet totally changed my life. I would have been out of major expeditions 15 years ago.

Steger began his career as a polar explorer by traveling unsupported thousands of kilometers across the polar regions by dog sled. He predicts that within the next 10 years, it will be impossible to cross the poles on foot, due to the effects of climate change.

Will Steger: Every ice shelf I’ve been on is either collapsed or totally changed.

He told Earth & Sky that, despite the challenges, he’s excited about young people today. He said they’re more connected and aware of the world than past generations, which should give them a greater ability to bring about positive change.

Our thanks today to NASA, in celebration of the International Polar Year.

Our thanks to:
Will Steger
Polar explorer, writer, photographer
President, Will Steger Foundation

Written by Lindsay Patterson