AUSSIE FATHER AND SON EMBARK ON EXPEDITION FROM SOUTH TO NORTH POLE TO PROMOTE NET-ZERO TRAVEL - 5th Element Expeditions/eckfactor

26 Jul 2023 2:54 PM

Embargo: July 27, 2023 

 

AUSSIE FATHER AND SON EMBARK ON EXPEDITION FROM SOUTH TO NORTH POLE TO PROMOTE NET-ZERO TRAVEL 

 

(Sydney, Australia) One of the world’s leading polar explorers, Queensland man Dr Geoff Wilson AM, is joining forces with his 22-year-old son Kitale to document the true, untold stories about climate change. The adventure duo will begin “Project Zero” next month from the beaches of Southport, Queensland, bound for Patagonia, on the first of a seven-leg expedition aboard a specially designed net-zero vessel, emblazoned with their motto, “We Can Change”. 

 

The bond between Dr Wilson and filmmaker Kitale, is strong - strong enough, they hope, to change the world.

 

The adventurers are making last-minute preparations for Project Zero which will take them from the warmth of the Gold Coast beaches, and safety of their Currumbin home, to Patagonia, Antarctica and the Arctic. Their vessel is a specially adapted steel-hulled, carbon-neutral boat, powered by solar, hydro and wind power. 

 

Setting out August 13 from Southport on Nanook X, Dr Wilson and Kitale will undertake an ambitious seven-expedition odyssey over two years, exploring the world’s most isolated and vulnerable environments. They will be joined by two other crew members: drone pilot Jordy Pearson and 1st mate Alistair “Crusty” Burton. 

 

From the South Pole to the North Pole, Dr Wilson will meet the world’s leading climate scientists and advocates while Kitale will capture the images showing the impact global warming is having on these magnificent landscapes.

 

Adventure is in their DNA; Dr Wilson received the 2023 Lifetime of Adventure Award from the Australian Geographic Society, in recognition of his exploration and research of the harshest environments across the globe.

 

His son brings the same passion to the project, albeit with a different skill set.

 

They share the aim of educating Aussies and the world, in a fun and informative way, about climate change, and will present practical tips on how to change our lifestyle and reduce our impact on the Earth.

 

But before they change the world, they will need to meet their own challenges, not the least will be bonding as a team, backed by an expert crew.

 

“The first leg will be one of the most difficult,” says Dr Wilson.

 

“As we gel as a team, we’ll be dealing hour after hour with rough seas south of New Zealand; icebergs need to be avoided, storms handled and the boat has to be nursed through some of the world's roughest oceans over 6,000 nautical miles to Southern Chile then into the Patagonian Fjords.”

 

He says the biggest single risk to the project is ice that could crush the vessel, or trap it, stopping progress.

 

The duo are ready.

 

“Kit brings his strong climbing and ropes work to the game; I bring polar and crevasse survival knowledge, calm head under fire, leadership and forward drive to the party.”

 

Where possible Project Zero will seek to use green modes of transport by sailing, hiking, kite-power and skiing. 

 

“Our mission is clear – work as a team to create awareness and instigate change to protect the planet for future generations,” says Dr Wilson.

 

Supporters are invited to farewell the Project Zero team as they depart Southport, Queensland, on Sunday, August 13, 2023. 

 

The journey can be followed at www.projectzero.earth and via Instagram @drgeoffwilson and @kitalewilson. For fact checking, visit https://drgeoffwilson.com/

 

Project Zero is made possible, thanks to the support of the community, supporters and sponsors, including: Australian Geographic Society; Rewards4Earth Foundation (Erth Points); Dometic; Enerdrive; Pivotel Satellite; Rhythm Snowsports; Wild Earth ; Salomon ; Arc’teryx; Mammut; Oakley; Le Bent; Merino Country; Stellar Marine; Blackboard Coffee and Sea to Summit.

 

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Key Facts:

Interviews available today under embargo and tomorrow live from the Maritime Museum in Sydney. 

Available talent: Dr Geoff Wilson (53) Kitale Wilson (22) 

About us:

More about Dr Geoff Wilson AM: 

Dr Wilson is a veterinary surgeon, founder of 5th Element Expeditions and multiple world record holding adventurer. He is the recipient of the “Lifetime of Adventure” award from the Australian Geographic Society, its highest honour, and is recognised in the Australian Museum’s “50 Trailblazers” of all time.  Earlier this year, he became a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to the community. 

 

Dr Wilson holds the current record for the longest solo, unsupported polar journey in human history (2019/2020), the first summit of Dome Argus, solo and unsupported (2019/2020), the fastest solo, unsupported crossing of Antarctica (2013/2014), the fastest unsupported crossing of Greenland, south to north (2017), and the first and only wind-assisted crossing of the Sahara Desert (2009). His most recent expedition success was crossing Australia’s Simpson Desert using a wind-assisted buggy (2022). He lives in Queensland with his wife of 30 years, Sarah Wilson, and has three adult children, including Kitale. He became a grandfather earlier this year. 

Contact details:

For further information, interviews:

eckfactor 0438 532 569 [email protected]

 

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