Richard Spink and Raoul Surcouf set up Carbon Neutral Expeditions (CNE) in 2006 to show how journeys to some of the wildest, untouched places on the planet can be undertaken with minimal impact on the environment. These are non commercial ventures by a small team with a major emphasis on education and research.

Sunset Over Resolute Bay

While expeditions often achieve impressive objectives — whether it be climbing the highest mountain or crossing the largest ice cap — few take into account the environmental impacts of such undertakings.

As a result most expeditions are net contributors to climate change, responsible for damaging the very landscapes they seek to explore.

This expedition and all future ventures will be underpinned by sound environmental credentials. We go the extra mile using recycled or ethically approved gear, even much of our food is salvaged rather than ending up in land fill sites. We never fly. Our individual lifestyles at home reflect these ethics. (Come round to the community house and see for yourself- all welcome!)

We really believe this a unique form of Arctic expeditionning.

We are proud to have Dr Mike Stroud OBE as our patron (Click for Biography)

Current thinking on the seriousness of global warming must be heeded by all, whatever their activities. This applies as much to those seeking extreme adventure, as to those driving gas-guzzling monsters on the town school run. Indeed, when it comes to travel in the Polar regions even more thought is needed.

Unnecessary injection of extra pollutants into these previously pristine environments, is unjustifiable if the purpose of the journey is merely to undertake a challenge, especially if aircraft are involved since remote operations in the cold require so much fuel. Yet it would be tragic were these considerations to totally stop adventurous men and women from experiencing these wonderful regions and testing themselves under the harshest of circumstances.

I therefore unequivocally praise and endorse
the solution identified by Carbon-Neutral Expeditions, and very much hope that in the future it is they who are thought to have shown the way.”

                    

               CNE is a registered not-for-profit company.