The Pole to Pole Project: A journey of discovery and sharing

The Poles of the Planet: Old and New  project is a journey focuses on the many of Earth’s poles. We begin with the three prominent ones—the North, the South, and the Himalayan poles—given their location in regions unique not only in their high latitude or altitude, but also in their historical status as final frontiers. Whether it was the pursuit of the geographical poles, the race to the top of the world, or charting and exploration, these became important vehicles in bringing the humanity together as they offered possibilities of cooperation and advancement. While these poles have been reached and progress made, many issues remain. And so emerging are new poles, ones at first glance equally unattainable as those of the past, but perhaps more crucial to our long-term future. These are the goals, resolutions, and missions to solve our collective problems, dominated by environmental and social challenges. And we hope to contribute to our collective awakening and help in our attainment of these “new poles.”

Years ago, I was very close to the fulfillment of my dream of going to Antarctica, the icy continent – because I LOVE THE ICE—as one can see from my Himalayan first ascent pictures, standing on a peak of “the third Pole.” But I could not make it because the ship we were going to take (myself as a lecturer) turned out to be too old. And so I am happy now to find this dream realized in the photographs of this book!

– Kurt Diemberger, pioneering alpinist and author

Our region is going through enormous changes, most effected by people and their decisions. Whether as Himalayans or as visitors to the region, we need to think very carefully about what we want for the Himalayas, mindful of past trials, present limitations, and future potentials. Therefore I much welcome The Himalayas: Feeling the Myth, which aims to suggest such a message.

– Shiva Dhakal, Himalayan entrepreneur and conservationist

Few of us will ever be lucky enough to experience the beauty, majesty and power of the Arctic landscape. But for those who can’t, the stunning photos featured in The Arctic: Giving Back offer some glimpse of this magical place and a powerful incentive for why we should find the courage to look at the Arctic with a fresh perspective – one that understands its special and irreplaceable role in our world’s shared future.

– Adam Shoalts, explorer-in-residence of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and best-selling author