2041 in Antarctica

The wonders of the Antarctic and climate threats to its unspoilt landscape were brought vividly to life for children at schools near to RWE npower renewables offices when our Antarctic ambassadors visited.

RWE npower renewables' employees Martin Cole and Stuart Quinton-Tulloch returned from Antarctica after taking part in a 2009 'Inspire Antarctica' expedition that was led by polar explorer Robert Swan OBE. Mr Swan was the first person in history to walk to both the North and South Poles and, through his experiences, is also a renowned environmental leader.

As part of the expedition, Martin and Stuart witnessed at first-hand the beauty of the pristine environment and the effects being wrought upon it by climate change. They have embraced Robert Swan's battle cry to become an ambassador for Antarctica, with a responsibility to inspire and educate others so that its unique landscape and abundant wildlife can be preserved.

During the 2009 summer term, Martin and Stuart visited five schools near to RWE npower renewables offices around the UK, and delivered interactive presentations to nearly 250 children aged between seven and eleven.

The children learned that the Antarctic is the seventh continent, a massive area of rock and ice which was not discovered until the eighteenth century. As it is the coldest, driest, highest and windiest place on the planet, the children were challenged to name the five most important things that they would take with them.

Martin said: "I was most impressed by how much the children already knew about climate change and renewable energy. They have a tremendous enthusiasm for the environment and a desire to protect it."

The presentation included some elements of '2041 Coolest Curriculum'. In the year 2041, the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty will expire. 2041 was therefore the name given to the group 2041, founded by Robert Swan, which is working towards the continuing protection of the Antarctic Treaty, so that the last great wilderness on earth is never exploited.