This weekend and into next week we will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of Will Steger’s North Pole Expedition. The reunion will be an opportunity to reminisce and remember their unbelievable journey and “…accomplishment; the first confirmed trek to reach the Pole without resupply, [which] was deemed by National Geographic “a landmark in polar exploration.” It is also, however, a sobering reminder that due to unpredictable Arctic ice conditions attributed to climate change, it would be very difficult for the North Pole expedition to be completed successfully today.
If you plan on visiting the Minnesota History Center’s Family Day (May 15 from 12-4) dedicated to the North Pole Expedition Reunion, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the Arctic, how it is being impacted by climate change, and why it should be of concern. If you are looking for more resources about the Arctic and climate change you can learn more through our Arctic Community Curriculum. The Arctic Climate Impact Assessment report is also very comprehensive if you are looking to go more in depth. Finally the NOAA Arctic Report Card is a great succinct update of the most recent environmental changes to the Arctic.
