In December, 2017 Robert and his son, Barney Swan, set off on the South Pole Energy Challenge. Halfway through this 600-mile journey, Robert was forced to turn back due to a catastrophic physical injury leaving Barney to complete the challenge — becoming the first person in history to walk to the South Pole powered solely by renewable energy. In January, 2020, Robert returned to Antarctica to finish the remaining 300 nautical miles across the landmass but again fell short of his childhood dream by a mere 97 nautical miles a after reinjury again forced him to evacuate. Overcoming extraordinary odds, Robert will return to Antarctica leading the Undaunted: South Pole 2023 Expedition one final time showing the world what is possible to achieve if you persevere. Robert has lived his life by the motto that if you make a commitment you must honor it. This type of mentality is exactly what is needed most in our world.
Today, our planet faces it’s most challenging test in history. As the global environment and climate crises worsens by the day, it is imperative that we come together as a planet to face this catastrophe head on. Robert will continue to serve as a beacon of hope for Antarctica which is ground zero in the fight against climate change. He will bring revolutionary renewable energy technologies on the expedition to show the world that if these energy sources can be used in the most inhospitable environment on the planet, then we can do so anywhere on earth.
No one is more prepared to continue to lead this 50-year mission for the preservation of the Antarctic continent as a Natural Reserve Land for Science and Peace than Robert Swan.
In January 2023, Barney Swan will lead a team of intrepid explorers to join his father, Robert Swan, on the remaining 60 miles to the South Pole completing the final leg of the Undaunted Expedition.
Together, Robert and the Undaunted team will demonstrate true resilience – of body, mind, and spirit. As former military service members who carry the literal scars of war on their bodies, the team will also highlight one of the most extraordinary traits of the Antarctic: that it is the only place on Earth that has never been marred by the ugliness of human conflict.
On their return, the veterans will become champions for Antarctica, sustainability, and will support companies on their journey towards successful implementation of ESG.