Follow The World's First Sustainably Powered South Pole Expedition With This Interactive Map

Explorer Robert Swan OBE has endured some of the harshest environments on the planet. His greatest feats include being the first man in history to walk unaided to both poles in the 1980s, and completing a 600-mile, 60-day trek on foot to the Geographic South Pole; he accomplished the latter alongside his son Barney.

During their expedition to the South Pole, the Robert and Barney Swan were powered solely by renewables from some of the world’s most technologically advanced companies like NASA, Shell and Patagonia. While NASA provided a state-of-the-art solar-powered ice melter, Patagonia supplied technical clothing for extreme conditions and Shell delivered advanced biofuels.

By using only these sources of energy, Robert and Barney were able to cook and keep warm in temperatures as low as minus 40C (-40F) as they trekked through some of the most inhospitable terrain on Earth. “We planned for every scenario, but our main contingency for when we’re in an Antarctic blizzard and I can’t see my hand in front of me is the advanced biofuels, which keep us warm, comfortable and most importantly, safe,” said Robert.

Father and son duo Robert and Barney Swan embarked on an epic world-first expedition to the South Pole using only renewable energy

Through this extraordinary expedition, the father and son duo highlighted the pressing issue of climate change, and that the development of cleaner energy solutions requires joint effort. It is up to all players in society to club together, including governments, industry, entrepreneurs and corporations.

Speaking of the enormity of climate change, Barney explained: “The expedition was about the convenient solutions that can address the current climate change challenges. It is a small example of how we can all make choices to help us transition to a cleaner energy future. For people at home who are wondering what they can do, just making small changes like eating from sustainable sources, using less plastic cups and bags and using solar-powered appliances to charge your phone.”

As a life-long explorer, Robert also shares this passion about environmentalism. When asked what’s left to explore, he added that “the greatest exploration left is our ability as humans to learn how to live on the earth sustainably”.

Trace the Swans’ incredible journey through this immersive, interactive web map. It’s one of very few Antarctica tracking maps that uses satellite imagery. Plus, it’s geographically accurate, in real-time, and in ultra high-resolution.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.