Lambeth resident selected for expedition to reach North Pole area not yet reached by humankind

By Claudia Lee and James Twomey

A 23-year-old environmental consultant has been selected for “one of the most important and ambitious polar expeditions of our time”, to reach an area of the North Pole not yet explored by humans.

Joe Witt, of Landor Road in Clapham North, has been selected by the world-renowned explorer, Jim McNeill, to be part of the first expedition in history to reach the Northern Pole of Inaccessibility – defined as the furthest point from land in the middle of the Arctic Ocean.

He will be collecting vital climate change data when he sets off on the Last Pole adventure in February 2023 which will take him more than 270 miles north-west than the Geographic North Pole. 

The 800-mile journey is split into four legs, each with seven novices from all walks of life, trained to accompany him. 

The whole journey will be nearly 800 miles from the northern shores of Canada. The middle of the Arctic Ocean is frozen over and will require skiing to reach it.

“There are so many variables at play whether we can reach it,” said Joe. “The conditions are extremely treacherous and challenging there.”

In a region where current data availability is sparse, Joe is looking to obtain measurements of pollution, weather, oceanography and number of polar bears encountered.

Joe said: “The Last Pole expedition is a fantastic opportunity for me to really challenge myself while also collecting vital scientific data.

“I hope the project can be a defining moment in our understanding of the impacts that climate change and inspire global action around environmental challenges.”

The expedition will be collecting vital climate change data for the NASA funded National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) scientists, led by Nobel Prize winning, Walt Meier.

Ice Warrior, an organisation that trains ordinary people to become explorers of extreme areas, will be leading the expedition.

In its 21-year history, Ice Warrior has trained more than 450 people, conducted seven major explorations and been cited in most of the world’s major scientific publications. 

Ice Warrior founder Jim McNeill, said: “I’m delighted to have Joe in the expedition team and look forward to training him in every aspect which will make him a competent polar traveller.”

The polar regions have been the early indicators of climate change for more than 60 years.

While it is analysed by NASA satellites, the measurements taken by Ice Warrior’s expeditions give a more accurate prediction of how long the sea ice will prevail.

Joe is currently undergoing a comprehensive and intensive training programme to prepare himself for the route across the Arctic Ocean.

Pictured top: Joe Witt at Everest Base Camp in Nepal (Picture: Joe Witt)