In the late 1980s, Robert Swan became the first person ever to walk both the North and South poles. He has used this distinction as a platform to raise awareness of climate change and sustainability, gaining notoriety as an environmentalist and motivational speaker worldwide. Swan, 59, a Brit whose accolades include being appointed as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for Youth and awarded the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II, will share his passion of working for the preservation of the Antarctic with a local audience in Squaw Valley on Dec. 16.
Swan’s talk, Leadership on the Edge: An Antarctic Perspective, is being hosted by the Truckee-based 2041 Foundation, also founded by Swan. The nonprofit’s name comes from the year that the moratorium on drilling in the Antarctic could be lifted and the Antarctic Treaty amended. The aim of the foundation is to build leadership skills among people by informing, engaging, and inspiring the next generation of leaders to create a sustainable world. This mission is why the organization is targeting youth in North Lake Tahoe/Truckee to attend Swan’s talk. Proceeds from the evening will also benefit Squaw Valley Preparatory.
“This is a really engaged community for the environment,” said Anne Kershaw, executive director of the 2041 Foundation. “We want a lot of the young people to think globally as well.”
Swan, who has given talks to the likes of BP, Royal Dutch Shell, Coca-Cola, and NASA, will highlight the key elements of successful leadership and what it takes to achieve the impossible. He also raises awareness on the issue of climate change and why people and businesses around the world should adopt sustainable, renewable energy practices so that Antarctica will never be exploited for its resources. While he has traveled the world speaking on the importance of protecting Antarctica, this will be Swan’s first local talk, although his foundation has been based in Truckee for 10 years.
“They can expect one of the most incredible speakers,” Kershaw said of those who attend the talk. “He has the ability to connect with people on every level.”
Additionally, everyone who buys a ticket to the talk will also be entered into a raffle to attend a two week leadership training in the Antartic, which is also hosted by the 2041 Foundation. Swan has been leading the expeditions for 10 years, in partnership with NASA. The $15,000 trip is typically invitation-only, but a Tahoe/Truckee local could spend time this March learning about climate change and gaining leadership skills in the Antarctic.
As Swan has said: “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”
