Matt Bell, a marine biology and oceanography student at the University of Plymouth, embarks on a quest to reach the last significant place on Earth that humanity has yet to reach in the name of environmental research.
Matt teamed up with a group of explorers trained and led by one of the world’s most respected and experienced explorers, Jim McNeil, “Inaccessible Arctic”.
The “unreachable North Pole” is defined as the farthest point from land (the very center) of the Arctic Ocean, 270 miles from the geographical North Pole.
In February 2024, Jim, Matt and team are scientists at the NASA-funded National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC, led by Nobel Prize-winning scientist Walt Meyer).
Matt Bell said:
“This expedition will not only set records, but will also enable important understandings of weather conditions, pollution measurements, oceanographic data and the number of polar bears we may encounter along the way. Everything has global significance and the poles are the alarm bells of climate change.
The ‘Last Pole’ exploration is of great significance, it is all about prediction and preparation, and will eventually reveal the true reality of climate change on Earth. That’s what got me on the road and why I’m proud to be part of the team. ”
With the help of sponsorship, Matt battled extreme weather conditions of -24°C and winds of 70 mph on the polar nights of Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago located between mainland Norway and the North Pole. You have completed a grueling training program.
While training and on duty with the polar bears, Matt witnessed the spectacular Northern Lights.
Kevin Mashford, Director of Sales at Paramount, said:
“We are honored to sponsor an inspirational individual on a record-setting expedition. Matt took a courageous step and pushed the boundaries in the name of environmental welfare.
It took over a year to prepare. Training His strong determination, dedication and passion for his program have given him the tools to live, survive and thrive in extreme extremes.
I wish Matt and the team the best of luck on their road trip next year. ”
The ‘Last Pole’ expedition will take place in February 2024.
Details of the expedition can be found here: https://www.ice-warrior.com/the-last-pole
Photo credit: Ice Warrior and Zach Walters.
