Follow Catherine’s journey to Antarctica
The selected youth will be led by Robert Swan, the first person in history to walk to both poles, and Barney Swan, one of the first people in history to trek to the South Pole powered entirely by renewable energy.
Treasure Beach youngster, Catherine Dunn, is inviting everyone to be a part of her journey as she sets sail in just over a week on her great expedition to Antarctica by following her journey virtually, on her social media pages.
Catherine was selected to participate in the 2041 Climate Force Antarctic Expedition and is one of two South Africans selected together with other young leaders from around the world, who will join polar explorer and environmental leader, Sir Robert Swan, on an expedition to the planet’s last greatest wildness.
The 20-year-old University of Cape Town undergraduate student, said she was proud and honoured to have been selected as an Antarctic Ambassador and advocate for climate change as this will add value to her aspirations of being a catalyst of positive change in her community, university, country, and the world.
The all-round achiever describes herself as an aspiring adventurer, environmental advocate, soccer enthusiast, and has been involved in many environmental and ocean advocacy initiatives, outreach projects, and leadership development programmes. Whilst on a Rotary International Exchange Programme in Germany, she became involved in climate activism by joining Greenpeace Youth and the Fridays for Future movement.
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The selected youth will be led by Robert Swan, the first person in history to walk to both poles, and Barney Swan, one of the first people in history to trek to the South Pole powered entirely by renewable energy.
“I am making it my goal to be a part of the solution and you can too. Featuring global experts in climate science, renewable energy, and sustainability, this unique and immersive journey trains participants on these subjects. Most importantly, it will equip us, as young leaders, with the tools to create meaningful change and seek out pragmatic solutions in communities, institutions, companies, and governments in order to benefit both Antarctica and our planet.
“Being a member of the Fridays For Future Movement, joining Greenpeace Youth, and participating in activism initiatives made me realise the power and responsibility we have to protect our land, seas, fauna, and flora. The effects of climate change can be felt around the world. In South Africa, we are experiencing extreme weather conditions, severe drought, wildfires and a decrease in ocean biodiversity.
I realise that I cannot do it alone, but I have hope that my generation, the future leaders of the world, have a chance. If we act now, together, anything is possible. I want to protect our planet so that future generations will also have a place to call home,” she said.
Many international companies and organisations including Nasa, Samsung and Coca-Cola, have invested in delegates on the expedition and by doing so, have taken responsibility and made commitments to empower and lead by example.
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“This last great wilderness is truly a special place. There has never been a war in Antarctica and no nation owns the continent. It does not have a permanent human habitation or indigenous population. We are all responsible for Antarctica. I hope those reading this will contribute towards this historic expedition, which will shape us as future leaders. The future of our planet is in the hands of my generation. I have decided to take responsibility and make it my duty that we protect and conserve our environment because there is no ‘Planet B,'” she said.
To find out more about the expedition, visit Catherine’s Instagram page @cats_antarctic_expedition or send an email to catherine2041expedition@gmail.com to be a part of the mission.
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