There is a lot happening in the world and sometimes listening to the news can be hard. That was the case for me yesterday when I heard a report about COP 29, the annual United Nations "Conference of Parties" climate summit.
Even though we had some very cold days on our Greenland Crossing in May, I know that 2024 is likely to be the hottest year on record. The latest report from the IPCC shows that now, more than ever, the world needs an immediate and ambitious response to climate change. In short we all need to stand up and deliver.
That's scary and I totally get why some people might have the urge to run and hide. But here's the important thing: we ALL have a role to play in the future of our world. Viewing the climate crisis through this lens can help each of us make some powerful and positive advances not only for the health of our planet but also for our own good.
Wait, isn't this newsletter supposed to be about polar expeditions? Yes, and here's where it all comes together.
During any expedition, but particularly those that are long and challenging, it's critical that everyone is aware of the relationships in the group and that they are attentive to these relationships in positive ways. Luckily we all have different strengths and passions that we can tap into for this purpose, and also to meet the challenges of the expedition.
One person might add humor during breaks or stories around the stove at night. Another person may have the tenacity or sheer strength to absorb extra weight in their sled when a teammate is struggling. Another person may be good at checking in with everyone and lending a supportive smile or shoulder when one is needed. Another may take pride in their shoveling efficiency to cover the tents' snow flaps and dig out kitchens. Without identifying our unique strengths and putting them to good use the expedition would be less vital, less fun and so much harder.
We need to recognize that together humanity and the planet are on a very long expedition and the same individual strengths that drive us through challenging adventures are needed right now for the planet. I, for one, am not a climate scientist. I am not a bio engineer. I cannot create carbon filters to solve the climate crisis. I'm a horrible fundraiser, even for important causes. But I can do a lot of other things that I not only enjoy, but that I can do well. They are likely different than what you enjoy doing, and what you're good at, and THAT is why it works. Yes, the climate crisis is big and scary, but so too is taking your first ski stride on an expedition that both excites and terrifies you. By identifying your strengths and giving them a purpose the ripple effects can be immeasurable; whether that's tackling a difficult ski traverse, or addressing climate change.
When an expedition feels overwhelming with day after day of hard work and uncertainty I tell myself and my team "by the mile it's a trial, by the yard it's hard, but by the inch it's a cinch." One foot in front of the next. Over and over again. When each person in the group stands up and delivers their individual strengths three things can happen:
1) The biggest challenges are surmountable (even enjoyable!)
2) The goals that feel so far away at first can be achieved, and
3) The rewards of all that hard work last a lifetime.
What are your individual strengths and how can your contributions make a difference? Let us know, we'd love to hear from you!
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