Our Story
It was Swan’s original expedition to the South Pole that was the inspiration for 2041, an organization he founded and dedicated to the preservation of the polar regions. The mission of the 2041 Foundation is to engage businesses and communities on climate science, personal leadership, and the promotion of sustainable practices.
Countdown to 2041
Until the re-negotiation of moratorium on mining in Antarctica, which designates Antarctica as a “natural reserve, devoted to peace and science”
2041/01/01 16:34:13
The Journey So Far...
Founded in 1984, 2041 has had an international influence from our Expeditions to the Antarctic to our E-Bases operating on every continent.
Footsteps of Scott South Pole Expedition (1984–1987)
Robert Swan, Roger Mear and Gareth Wood arrived at the South Pole on 11 January 1986.
The North Pole (1987–1989)
Antarctica 1500 tonne Clean Up (1992-1997)
World Summit 2002
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Voyage For Cleaner Energy 2002-2005
Robert Swan, Roger Mear and Gareth Wood arrived at the South Pole on 11 January 1986, after 70 days without the aid of any radio communications or back-up support and having hauled 350 lb (160 kg) sledges. Swan’s team had achieved the longest unassisted march ever made in history.
Ebase-2008-2012
World Summit Rio 2012
International Antarctic Expeditions 2003-2017
Testing Expedition 2016
South Pole Energy Challenge 2017-2018
ClimeWorks 2017
Last 300
Meet the Team
Robert Swan
Founder
Robert Swan is the first person to have walked to both the North and South Poles. His leadership and determination made his 900 mile journey to the South Pole, the longest unassisted march in history. He was awarded the Polar Medal by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and is a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for Youth.
Robert is a polar explorer, a leader in energy innovation and founder of the 2041 Foundation. This story of unbelievable spirit will take you on a journey of inspiration, courage and humility. Robert committed to his dream at the age of 11, achieved it with a team after 22 years and is now, on a 50 year mission to help preserve Antarctica.
Barney Swan
INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR
Globally recognized in the world of adventure and sustainable development, Barney Swan is the first person to ski to the South Pole powered by renewable energy. Traversing 1000 kilometers over 65 days, he survived using NASA designed solar ice melters, lithium batteries, and biofuel made from waste. The incredible journey marked the launch of the ClimateForce challenge, a solutions-driven mission to clean up 360 million tons of CO2 before the year 2025.
Barney was born in London and was raised in tropical Far North Queensland, Australia. Being raised off-grid instilled at an early age a heightened respect for the value of energy, basic necessity, and everyday convenience. Barney’s passion for the planet motivates him daily to build a legacy through tangible solutions that are attainable by all.
Caitlin Ryan
VP OF OPERATIONS
Born and raised in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in Bozeman, Montana, Caitlin has developed a life-long appreciation for a healthy natural world. A twenty-five-day self-assisted raft trip through the Grand Canyon intensified her reverence for nature and desire for adventure. Outside of the United States, Caitlin has lived in both Italy and New Zealand and spent two years traveling Europe, the Philippines, and Northern Africa which galvanized her interest in facilitating the vital cultural connection between humans and the environment. With a degree in Psychology and Business Administration and aspirations of higher education, she is exploring the impacts on the human psyche caused by degradation of the environment, which led her to Robert Swan and the 2041 mission to preserve Antarctica.
Trenton Branson
WEBSITE & DESIGN COORDINATOR
Being involved with non-profit web management and marketing for over 5 years, Trent is thrilled to be a part of 2041 and its mission to educate and raise awareness regarding sustainability and our impact on the environment.
Growing up between the mountains of California and the busy streets of Washington DC provided him with a strong connection to the natural world, as well as recognizing the importance of community involvement. Trent enjoys spending time outside doing everything from kayaking to mountain biking to snowboarding, never without his camera close by.
Advisors
Kyle O’Donoghue
DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKER
Storyteller and adventurer with 15 years of experience working in harsh and remote locations. With a passion for long journeys, Kyle has completed a first kayak descent of the Rio Maranon in Peru, a 2000km journey as well as a 65-day skiing expedition to northern Canada’s Ellesmere Island.
Since 2005 he has been a member of 2041’s Inspire Antarctic Expeditions and in 2008 was part of a team which worked to get Robert Swan’s Education Bases up and running. Having filmed on all seven continents with a focus on environmental and social issues he is aware of how fragile a line we are walking in our use of the planet’s resources. When not filming he runs a remote mountain Lodge in Norway with his wife Marthe.
Hasita Bhammar
CONSERVATION
Hasita Bhammar is a Wildlife Conservation Analyst at the Global Wildlife Program led by the World Bank Group. Prior to joining the program, she worked as a project coordinator at the 2041 Foundation. She began her career in wildlife conservation at the age of 21 by helping Robert Swan and 2041 set up a tiger conservation program in the Pench Tiger Reserve in India. Hasita holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Management from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. An Indian national, Hasita has also worked on conservation issues in Nepal and Kenya. She has travelled to all seven continents and is passionate about engaging young people in wildlife conservation.
Wendy Gediman
EDUCATION ADVISOR
Originally from California, Wendy has lived in the UK for many years, teaching students of all ages at an American/International school. She runs the Wildlife program at her school, engaging young people in learning how they can take action to protect all life on our planet.
In 2008, Wendy took her first journey to Antarctica with Robert Swan, on the Ebase expedition. Returning to Antarctica in 2013, saw her connect with students worldwide through her website and school visits. In December 2016, she was part of the IAE 80° South team at Union Glacier, testing the equipment and technology in preparation for the South Pole Energy Challenge.
Our Partners
Judith Neilson
