2022 Expedition
WHY
ANTARCTICA
We at Ventient are very proud of the many initiatives which make us a global ESG leader in onshore wind. But our meaning goes even deeper: to also address global issues.
Climate change is a reality that cannot be ignored. That’s why we’ve joined Foundation2041 on an expedition to Antarctica. We’ve been experiencing the effects of global warming in the natural environment most threatened by them—and have returned to educate and lead our stakeholders on a journey toward sustainability.
The expedition has deeply impacted us and emphasised, even more, the urgency for action and the hope that we and our fellow explorers can make positive changes through education, collaboration and action.
We need to protect Antarctica and ensure we, our stakeholders and the new family we’ve bonded with during this experience across Antarctica, can make a real positive difference for the future.
Antarctica is a symbol, frozen in time, which represents our united responsibility to steer humanity towards a more hopeful future.
The key to our Antarctica mission is to promote the use of renewable energy across the globe. Fittingly, we sailed to our unforgettable destination on the new Ocean Victory expedition ship, one of a new generation of low-energy vessels which uses 60% less energy than comparable size and has the lowest carbon emissions per passenger in the entire industry. Keep reading to discover what we learned and experienced on our voyage.
DAY 1
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Ushuaia
Day 2&3
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Martial Glacier
Day 4
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The Beagle Channel
Day 5
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Drake Passage
Day 6
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Anvers Island
Day 7
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Lemaire Channel and Pleneau Island
Day 8
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Gerlache Strait and Neko Harbour
Day 9
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Cierva Cove and Mikkelsen Harbour
Day 10
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Deception Island, Whalers Bay and Telefon Point
Day 11
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Drakes Passage
Day 12
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Ushuaia
Day 4
Drakes Passage
Today we will cross the middle of the Drake Passage – the body of water between the South Shetland islands of Antarctica and South America’s Cape Horn. As the team pass by the Cape they will hear about Robert Swan’s incredible journeys through these seas, and Jeff Bonaldi’s recounting of the history of Antarctic exploration. Cape Horn is on the small island of Hornos, marking the point at which the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans come together. We will have an opportunity to “Turn the Horn”, a traditional reference to sailing from 50 degrees south of one coast to 50 degrees south of the other, literally moving around Cape Horn itself to enjoy the scenery from all angles.
EXPEDITION DIARY
TALKS AND
WORKSHOPS
Alongside the voyage are a series of talks and interactive workshops for the guests to take part in, including:
Let’s Save the Last Pristine Continent
Robert Swan, Founder, 2041 Foundation
Robert Swan discusses how he took up the mission to preserve Antarctica. From the inspiration of other explorers’ accomplishments and becoming the first man to trek to both Poles, to his journey to the South Pole where he experienced physical hardship caused by climate change and accepting the challenge from the incredible Jacques Cousteau, Swan discusses the problems facing the success of the mission and what we can do to save the last pristine continent.
History of Exploration in Antarctica
Jeff Bonaldi, CEO, The Explorer’s Passage
Robert Swan discusses how he took up the mission to preserve Antarctica. From the inspiration of other explorers’ accomplishments and becoming the first man to trek to both Poles, to his journey to the South Pole where he experienced physical hardship caused by climate change and accepting the challenge from the incredible Jacques Cousteau, Swan discusses the problems facing the success of the mission and what we can do to save the last pristine continent.
The Challenges & Science Behind Climate Change
David Hone, Climate Expert
Climate change is threatening our planet. Large statistical variations in weather patterns are changing at an alarming rate. Although climate change refers to the broader causations, it is most closely associated with the human impacts. Through our overconsumption and negligence, global warming has become disastrous, and nowhere is this more evident than in the polar regions. This talk looks to examine these factors and begin to provide information to facilitate dialogue with leaders in industry, business, and government to create change.
Storytelling 101
Barney Swan, International Director, ClimateForce
Storytelling is an art form. It has been an integral part of humanity’s culture since inception. In this workshop, Barney Swan, the International Director of ClimateForce will deconstruct how to effectively tell a story or convey a message, showing the tools of constructing personal stories to have a positive impact on one’s life and those around them.
2022 VENTIENT
EXPEDITION TEAM
MARK JONES
CEO, Ventient Energy
Mark Jones, CEO, discusses his thoughts and reasons as to why the trip to Antarctica is so important and what he hopes to gain from it.
HARRIET KELLEY
FINANCIAL MODELLER
Harriet joined Ventient in 2020 as a financial modeller to ensure her work efforts went into being part of the climate solution. She is passionate about leaving the world in a better state for her two young girls and joined the Antarctica expedition with the goal of expanding her impact.
DIOGO CARIDADE
BI/DATA ANALYST
A very active person who is always up for a challenge, Diogo’s aim for the Antarctica expedition is to gain valuable information on global warming to help drive Ventient’s climate change mission to provide people with the tools and the motivation to start making a difference in their lives and their communities.
THE 2041
FOUNDATION
The Madrid Protocol banning exploitation of Antarctica will expire in 2041. In 1991, French explorer Jacques Cousteau tasked polar explorer Robert Swan OBE, with a 50-year mission to save the continent. Jacques urged Robert to engage people on climate change and promote the use of renewable energy. From this, Robert’s 2041 Foundation was born. Its mission is to engage businesses and communities on climate science, personal leadership, and the promotion of sustainable practices.
2022 EXPEDITION LEADERS
Robert Swan
Founder, 2041 Foundation
LinkedinRobert Swan is the first man to trek to both the North and South Poles. His 900 mile (1,400km) trip to the South Pole was the longest unassisted march in history. He was awarded the Polar Medal by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and is a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for Youth. The experiences at the Poles allowed Robert to witness the effects of climate change firsthand, and he dedicated his life to bringing people together to solve their greatest threat to survival. Through his 2041 Foundation, Robert Swan is on a 50-year mission to inspire and build leaders to help preserve Antarctica and our planet.
Jeff Bonaldi
Founder & CEO of The Explorer’s Passage (TEP)
LinkedinJeff Bonaldi is the Founder & CEO of The Explorer’s Passage (TEP). TEP drives social and environmental action by partnering with the world’s leading visionaries and institutions to create immersive and impactful travel experience. Previously, Jeff spent 15 years in executive leadership roles within the global financial industry. He was also appointed by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to help create a more stringent risk management industry framework following the global financial crisis. TEP’s partnership with Robert and Barney Swan, along with 2041 ClimateForce, helps participants transform their lives—and businesses—through the power of adventure.
Barney Swan
International Director, ClimateForce
LinkedinBarney is the International Director of ClimateForce, where he manages all expeditions and ventures globally. He has developed and applied his extensive skills in alpine mountaineering, risk management, technical sailing, and leadership. In 2018, Barney completed a first ever polar exploration feat, trekking 600 miles to the South Pole surviving solely on renewable energy. This Expedition was called the South Pole Energy Challenge, and the equipment utilitzed on the Expedition was tested and supplied by NASA, Shell, Patagonia, CSM Bakery, ZeroMass and Siemens. Using this journey as a platform for engagement, he works closely with sponsors, and partners to empower audiences with solutions, dialogues, and measurable action plans surrounding sustainable development.
Adrian Cross
Expedition Leader
LinkedinAdrian Cross, known as “Jumper,” is a mountain- and arctic trained ex-member of Her Majesty’s British Forces. Jumper has been a key member of Robert Swan’s team since 1998. An accomplished Ocean Yachtsman, he was instructed to lead an eight-member strong team by yacht into the Antarctic. The mission’s intent was to perform a photographic reconnaissance to record and survey the 1,500 tons of rubbish, which Robert Swan and his crew subsequently removed from King George Island. Jumper and his team also photographed 16 global warming indicator sites along the Antarctic Peninsula; UNESCO awarded him for his efforts in the year 2000.