In the 2000s, people around the world were not yet aware of climate change. No matter how much scientists talked about the climate change crisis, it was often dismissed as the political opinion of a particular political party.
Lewis Pugh, in 2007, appeared to challenge the Arctic swimming at minus 1.7°C.
There was only one reason why Lewis decided to swim in the Arctic.
“To inform the seriousness of climate change”
This interesting issue was reported all over the world and have attracted a lot of attention.
“Crazy”, “Joke to get attention”, “A novel challenge”, etc
There were various evaluations, but what is clear is that the word ‘climate change’ has been imprinted in people’s mind around the world.
Why Lewis Cried for Climate Change
Lewis Pugh, now 52 years old (born in 1969), has been swimming long distances for 35 years.
He has not only explored the five oceans, but also has swam in the Mt. Everest’s Pumori lake, the Arctic and Antarctic seas, and other famous landmarks.
He started swimming because he wanted to enjoy the beautiful nature. But the more he swam, the more sick nature caught his eye. Coral islands fading away, fish disappearing due to overfishing, shores full of plastic waste, and animals in the polar regions where the ice they tread on is disappearing. Whether humans are unaware of their own faults or pretending not to know, climate change has worsened over time.
On Behalf of the Vanishing Arctic
In 2007, when people weren’t interested in climate change, Lewis challenged the most powerful environmental movement he could do.
90° N, Arctic,
the coldest end of the world,
The water temperature is minus 1.7°C
The goal is to swim 1km.
Three days before the challenge, he experienced frozen fingers swelling in just five minutes practice swim, and the challenge felt reckless and frightening.
Lewis soon regained his composure and thought only of his first goal.
‘What I’m afraid of now is the disappearing Arctic, not the cold sea!’
The 1km arctic swim that started like that, took 18 minutes and 50 seconds in total, and he finally achieved his goal. Lewis, came ashore, couldn’t even say that he had done it, but just smiled with a frozen face. It then took him four months to regain the sense of his fingers.
The proven value of Arctic swimming
People wondered if this challenge was worth risking his life.
“Why did he have to swim in the cold Arctic?”
“Is climate change a real crisis for mankind?”
Lewis was invited to answer these questions.
Business Innovation Forum Speech
Two TED Talks
Davos World Economic Forum Speech
Countless places, including the BBC, CNN, HBO, France 2, and Good Morning America, have announced the climate crisis.
“There is one reason why I decided to swim in the Arctic.
To tell the truth about climate change.
Climate change is the footstep of mankind.
At the same time, we can try to change it.
I firmly believe that the sea can regain its original spectacular.”
Now, the world is starting to pay attention to ‘climate change’. And in 2013, he was appointed UN Maritime Ambassador.
“For penguins, whales, sharks, seals, and all the majestic creatures of the sea, I will speak for the voice of the sea”
– Appointment ceremony of UN Patron of the Oceans –
And new goals, that is to achieve at least 30% of marine protected areas by 2030.
Represent The Voice of The Sea
2015
Lewis took the most dangerous swim in the sea at minus 1.7°C to make the Antarctic Ross Sea a marine protected area.
His arms and face froze and he was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment, but he eventually reached a final agreement on the marine reserve. The media praised Lewis Pugh’s challenge and achievement, calling it “speed diplomacy” when they saw the agreement on the marine protected area that was resolved in an instant.
Lewis’ passionate swimming continued.
2017
Swim in South Georgia South Sandwich Islands*,
Agreed to increase protected areas from the UK from 3% to 23% after swimming.
*The South Sandwich Islands is a British Overseas Territory located in the south of the Atlantic Ocean and is famous for its world-class biodiversity habitat.
2018
528 km swim in the English Channel,
After swimming, the UK agreed to support a target of 30% for marine protected areas.
2020
Swimming inside the Antarctic ice sheet,
After swimming, the Antarctic Ocean Marine Protected Area Network was formed.
2021
Swimming 7.8 km in Greenland,
After swimming, 74 countries around the world signed a 30% of marine protected areas.
Lewis’ efforts have dramatically advanced the 30 percent target for marine protected area.
“Animals cannot go to Parliament and have their voices heard. People need to speak out for them.”
30% marine protected areas! These challenges and achievements he made with his body reminds us that nature is not ours, but we are borrowing it for a while.
Today, Lewis swims for nature and future generations.
