Explorer heads to Greenland to research global warming
Portsmouth's record-breaking explorer Alex Hibbert is heading back to Greenland to meet Eskimos.
The 22-year-old will visit Inuit settlements on the fjords of the Arctic wilderness to see how climate change is affecting their lives.
It will be his first return to Greenland since he walked 1,400 miles across it last year, in the longest unsupported polar expedition in history.
He said: 'With photographers I'm aiming to find out about their culture, hunting and what the effects of global warming are.'
Mr Hibbert, of Penny Street, Old Portsmouth, is hoping to leave Hampshire in the spring, to spend up to three weeks at three remote settlements.
He and photographers Dan Bernard and Gail Baird will use dog sleds and plan to shoot the Northern Lights if the weather holds.
Mr Hibbert's last trip cost tens of thousands of pounds, but this journey is expected to set him back about 6,000.
He said: 'We are hoping local firms will be able to help with our costs, as we hope the trip will provide some important insights into the effects of climate change.'
Ms Baird, marketing director at 131 Design in High Street, Old Portsmouth, said: 'Alex has had lots of experience of the conditions but I'm going for the first time.
'There are only a few people who get to go and see these communities because they are up on the remote east coast.
'So it should be a fantastic opportunity to see how global warming is changing their way of life.'
In June, The News reported that Mr Hibbert – who is training to be a Royal Marine Commando – was writing his book, The Long Haul, about his Greenland adventure.
Mr Hibbert and his friend George Bullard trekked 1,374 miles across the icecaps.
Braving sub-zero temperatures and covering five miles a day, they were forced to bury food supplies on their outward journey and couldn't get to them on their return.
Mr Hibbert said: 'The training for the Royal Marines is very different from the expeditions.
'The Arctic is about mental and physical endurance and total reliance on myself and my team-mate.
'Commando training is far more stimulating and punishing in terms of pace.'
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Weather for Portsmouth
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
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