Carbon Neutral Europe 2008

CNE Europe was conceived after the postponement of Greenland 2008. It seemed the perfect training exercise. Long and intensely demanding days in the saddle followed by a maiden voyage across the Biscay. It would also achieve the objective of further team building with their skipper for Greenland, Ben Stoddart.

Phase 1 of the trip started in St Malo and finished on board Fleur in Vigo, Western Spain. In between were 12 days of intense heat, trucks, storms, crashes and saddle sores. Intentionally rest days were declined, as “this was real training.” The average distance was over 100-miles per day, every day for 12 days. In addition more that double the height of Everest was ascended in cumulative height gain. Arriving at Vigo exhausted but on with the return journey, Phase 2, 600 miles of sea crossing returning to Plymouth.

This was the chance to learn the ropes (and sails) under Ben’s expert guidance and experience rolling 4-hour watches. The Biscay was kind and the trip was relatively uneventful bar some severe initial seasickness. The team arrived back, objectives complete. Trans-Europe crossing by peddle and Sail, Carbon Neutral.

To find out more read the blog below:

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Greenland 2009

Please click here for the full expedition report, hosted on the Scott Polar Research institute site.

Pre-Expedition outline:

On April 19th 2009, Carbon Neutral Expeditions will set sail for a 10 week expedition across the Greenland ice cap.

It had four main ojectives:

• To make the first carbon neutral, double crossing of Greenland by sailing across the North Atlantic and then completing a return ski traverse of the ice cap. (over 550 miles)
• To inspire young people to work towards their goals and develop their full potential.
• To raise awareness of climate change to over 25,000 pupils in partner schools around the UK and Jersey.
• To raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust.


The Journey:

This physical challenge starts as soon as they leave Nuuk. From here the team will navigate the crevasse ridden coastal areas as they climb the ice cap and make the traverse to the east coast, dragging 100+kg of supplies in pulks (sledges). The first half of the crossing is uphill as they ascend the ice cap against strong prevailing winds. Once they pass the highest point of over 2,500m they start the descent, again with the prospect of more crevasses as they near the coast. Once they get to the east coast they are only half way and will have to do it all again! Return journeys are in the true spirit of expeditions, and essential if this is to be carbon neutral. It harks back to the pioneering days where there was never an option of an aircraft pick up.

It is then a race against time with a limited days on the ice cap to get back.  The team are hoping for rapid progress during the return leg as they return to Nuuk. They will have progressively lighter pulks, and favorable winds towards the end (hopefully!) Here they will be reunited with Ben and Fleur as they set sail for Plymouth.

The team will be choosing the lowest carbon option to reduce any direct emissions wherever possible, subject to availability and budget constraints. However hard we try though, there will be some direct emissions that just can’t be avoided (such as using the boat’s engine to get into harbour). From the Arctic to the other extreme CNE will be working with For Ethiopia, a highly effective local charity as an offset. CNE will raise both funding and awareness for well building schemes. Their unique approach means every penny goes direct to the project due to zero overheads.

There are also carbon emissions associated with the manufacture and materials of the equipment that we will use on the expedition. These indirect emissions are fiendishly difficult to calculate and therefore we will not be trying to offset these. However, where possible we will try to source secondhand or recycled equipment. If we have to buy new, we will try wherever possible to source the lowest carbon option—hence our kit sponsorship from Patagonia (www.patagonia.com), one of the world’s greenest outdoor clothing suppliers. You might have heard that Patagonia is donating 1% of sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment. This has accounted to $29 million during the last year, in financial and in-kind donations.

This expedition is dedicated in loving memory of John Williams. Your inspiration lives on.