The youngest Australian to trek the North Pole

The youngest Australian adventurer and the first Al Gore Ambassador will come together with the support of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to trek the North Pole to raise awareness of the impact of global warming.

Matt McFadyen, the youngest Australian adventurer to join forces with Ben Wheaton, a PwC corporate climate change crusader will be part of a team to see at first hand, the effects of global warming in the Arctic Region.

Ben Wheaton, PricewaterhouseCoopers Partner, Climate Change Services says, ”Apart from being a personal passion and goal for both of us, the expedition to the North Pole will highlight the environmental impact of global warming in the region, and what this means not only for business but for our global community.”

In addition to the team trek, Matt, 26 is also taking on the challenge to be the first Australian to complete a solo expedition in the high Arctic when he attempts to ski from the North Pole back to base camp.

The expedition will run unassisted with all supplies and equipment being carried in and out of the North Pole by the team – there will be no re-supplies or airdrops on the journey.

Matt says, “Both Ben and I have been in training together for the past few months knowing that we are about to face the greatest challenge of our lives.”

“There are many challenges on the expedition that we will have to overcome as a team including exhaustion, blizzards, vast open expanses of water, 15ft Pressure Ridges and possibly frost bite or polar bear attack. We will rely on determination, team work and tenacity to guide us through.”

Ben continues, “I really wanted to see the impact global warming is having on the Arctic, to actually see what it looks like and to bring back research and lessons learnt to the firm, the business community, and to our community.”

“It is really exciting and important for PwC to be supporting this expedition as the firm has been accredited with the International Polar Year Status (IPY). This is a large scientific programme focused on Arctic and the Antarctic that involves over 200 projects with thousands of scientists examining a wide range of physical, biological, and social research topics.

“It is an opportunity for PwC to demonstrate and get involved with cutting edge science.”

The expedition is carbon neutral with accredited offsets being purchased to offset emissions including travel. No waste or environmental impact will be left behind.

“We are proud to say that our expedition to the North Pole has been certified carbon neutral by Eric Phillips (Icetrek Expeditions). Eric is the first and only accredited Australian carbon neutral polar guide.”

Whilst in the Arctic, Ben will also meet with the Arctic Program Director from WWF to learn about the research links being made in conservation research happening at both poles.

PwC is sponsoring Ben and Matt to complete the North Pole Expedition. In addition Ben will be raising money to support WWF in linking important work and research between the North and South Pole.

Notes

• 27 February 2008 – Matt departs Australia for North Pole “pre-adventure” – 200km warm up ski with Eric around the island of Spitsbergen.
  
  
• 27 March 2008 (26 March Norwegian time) – North Pole Expedition departs Borneo station base camp.
  
  
• 8 April 2008 – Approximate time expedition to reach North Pole – Ben and Eric return to base camp.
  
  
• 18 April 2008 – Approximate time Matt reaches base camp after his solo return.
  
  
• Both Ben and Matt will be on hand to answer any questions via live satellite telephone link ups during the expedition.
  
  
• Can trek the trip progress live via web links/images - www.pwc.com/au/npe08
  
  
• Team will send back daily updates and photos while on the expedition.