Pen Hadow

As one of the world’s quintessential explorers, Pen Hadow has pushed back the boundaries of what is known. His leadership of scientific exploration on the Arctic Ocean is without equal – and his iconic solo trek from Canada to the North Pole (2003) has never been repeated.

Due to the ongoing reduction in the region’s sea-ice cover, and consequent loss of its unique floating ice-reef habitat due to climate change, Pen’s mission now is to protect the wildlife and ecosystem services of the North Pole’s international waters by establishing the region as the world’s largest wildlife reserve.

He believes exploration of, and communications about, the natural world has never been more relevant in human history, with the continued existence of our species now dependent on improving the understanding and management of our relationship with the natural world. Pen continues to lead the influential non-governmental scientific and public engagement programme, Arctic Mission, [– an annual expedition programme] in support of the international advocacy work of the 90 North Foundation (UK Charity No 1194573).

He made his first Arctic expedition in 1989 and shortly after in 1995 set up the world’s first guide service to the North Pole. Pen also supported and co-organised the first all-women expedition to the North Pole (1995-97). Over the years [explorer] Pen has built up an impressive collection of awards and honours including Best Global Adventurer (2003) and TIME magazine’s Hero of the Environment (2009).