How to save Antarctica from the reckless living and over exploitation of the earth's resources is an unimaginable mission, but Mr. Robert Swan, OBE, has dedicated his life to preserve Antarctica as the last great wilderness on earth. Inspired by his childhood dreams and invigorated by a personal promise to the late Jacques Cousteau, Roberts unwavering determination to bring his dreams to reality is passionate and infectious; according to Robert, 'anything is possible'.
On the 1st June 2010, EEG's 4th community lecture took place at the Movenpick Hotel, Bur Dubai, with almost 200 participants eager to hear about the adventures and life story of the remarkable explorer, environmental leader and fervent communicator we know to be Robert Swan.
The evening began with the communal gatherings of excited members of the public greeting old friends and networking with new faces whilst enjoying light refreshments. Participants were quickly seated and EEG Chairperson Mrs. Habiba Al Marashi welcomed all attendees.
Mrs. Al Marashi spoke briefly about EEG's latest campaigns, namely the success of the Can Collection Drive in May and the upcoming Waste Management Awards on the 10th June. However, with such an inspiring and exciting speaker waiting, with much to share with the audience, Mrs. Al Marashi swiftly handed over the evening to Mr. Robert Swan.
Mr. Robert Swan then started his inspiring and gripping tales, beginning by explaining his life story and zealous ambitions, which led him to describe how his experiences have shaped him into becoming a renowned environmental leader.
Over 25 years ago, Robert Swan made his childhood dream of emulating Sir Robert Falcon Scott's 1912 journey to the South Pole a reality. Robert gained invaluable life and business experience as he strategically sourced sponsorship funds and high-profile patrons for his ambitious expeditions.
A few years later, returning home from a successful trek to the North Pole and at the height of his polar career, Swan honed his lessons from the remote regions of the planet into one clear mission – the preservation of Antarctica as the last great wilderness on earth. Robert realized this was no easy task and would need to mobilize world opinions and influence business and political leaders. With a clear mission in mind, Swan successfully transitioned from intrepid explorer to global motivator.
Robert took the audience through how his mission began, and how he was challenged at the first Earth Summit for Sustainable Development in 1992 to 'think global, act local'. In 1993 in support of this mission, Robert took 35 young people from 25 nations to Antarctica to remove and recycle 1,500 tons of waste from the desolate continent. Inspired by the commitment from these young people Robert envisioned an educational base in Antarctica, which became a reality during 2002-2007. Since 2003, Swan has led annual expeditions to Antarctica with students and business executives to focus on leadership, training, clean up and educational initiatives. The 'Inspire Antarctic Expeditions' (IAE) helped design and build the worlds first renewable energy Education Station in Antarctica. For over two weeks, Robert lived in this station using solely renewable energy, which sent out a global message of "if it's possible in Antarctica, its possible anywhere".
Robert continued to captivate the audience by sharing dreamy visions of an icy snow-white barren world and kept listeners on the edge of their seats whilst explaining the near death experiences encountered in a melting continent, prematurely caused by global warming. With so many experiences to share, it was truly a pleasure to hear a snippet of Roberts's life as told by the marvel himself. Robert's final words left a profound lasting impression on every single attendee; "The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it".
All participants could have stayed at the venue late into the night, gripped and enthralled by the legendary leader, but unfortunately the evening had to come to a close; Mrs. Al Marashi presented Robert with a crystal of appreciation and sincerely thanked him for his participation in EEG's lecture series.
Attendees then left inspired by Roberts's revolutionary work and gained an insight into the bigger picture of environmentalism. EEG hopes that participants realized that we don't all have to trek to the poles to save the planet, but we should listen to those that have, and start by making changes at home, because every little helps.
