A COVENTRY-based explorer is hoping to reach out to one million youngsters while climbing the world’s tallest mountain to raise awareness about the impact of climate change.
Mark Wood, who’s already completed more than 30 major expeditions, is hoping to attract the attention of 8848 schools who will be able to participate in the project for free of charge.
The former British Army servant and firefighter will be joined by fellow explorer Matt Dickenson.
Both men will take advantage of the cutting-edge cameras and satellite communication to educate one million students throughout their journey to the summit of Everest in a mission which has never been attempted before.
Taking place in March 2017, the expedition aims to inspire the next generation to engage with an understand the impact of global warming on our ‘struggling planet’.
Seminars, aimed at youngsters aged from six to 16, will be conducted through live stream broadcasts from the lower valleys, forests and the snow line glaciers.
Topics covered will include the Himalayan Earthquake and what impact climate change is having on wildlife and the ecosystem.
With Arctic shipping routes now open for the longest periods on record due to the melting ice, Mark is hoping one of the students taking part in the project might be able to forge a solution in the future.
He added: “This journey will take students through the villages leading up to Everest where they will meet families and other children live via a broadcast.
“We will be hosting a live Q&A session too so the students will very much be a part of the team during this expedition.
“This is an interactive experience for the students – coursework will be undertaken both online and offline with the opportunity to upload images & films to the 8848 portal.
“We will deliver one million voices onto Everest.”
Dr Stephan Harrison, a climate scientist at the University of Exeter, said: “This project is a unique opportunity to educate and inspire the scientists and researchers of tomorrow.
“In the most extreme classroom in the world, the team will begin to equip them with the knowledge and understanding to tackle global climate change issues.”
The challenge is expected to make history as no other expedition or team in the world has ever interacted closely with students from such an iconic location as Everest.
To sign your school up for free, visit www.mission8848.com/education where you’ll be able to find out more about how students can learn from the expedition.
