“Each time I return to the Arctic, I am shocked by how much ice has melted and how rapidly it’s happening.”

Lewis Gordon Pugh is an environmental campaigner who is quickly becoming the voice of the Arctic. On July 15, 2007, he became the first person to complete a long distance swim at the North Pole. While most people can’t imagine swimming in waters of minus 1.7°C (29°F), his swim is the most vivid illustration yet of just how far climate change has progressed.

Lewis is the only person to have swum in all five oceans of the world and has seen the results of global warming first-hand. His mission is to inspire people to make a difference in the world, particularly to protect the environment, and face the big issues head-on.

Lewis Gordon Pugh grew up in England and South Africa. He has law degrees from the University of Cape Town and Cambridge University. He resides in London and the Arctic.

Find out more about Lewis Pugh and his past expeditions.

Swimming in the North Pole