In November 2009, young leaders from 19 different countries were led on an expedition to Antarctica by Robert Swan, the first person to walk to both poles, and others from his “2041″ organization. The “International Antarctic Treaty Expedition” celebrated the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Antarctic Treaty, and the expedition explored the unique collaboration between nations that has made the Treaty so successful, and the possibility that a global climate treaty might model itself after that same collaboration. The aim of the 2041 organization is to work towards the continuing protection of the Antarctic Treaty so that the last great wilderness on earth is never exploited.

Since returning home, the inspired leaders have been spreading the message of the need to promote sustainability and are helping to inspire others with their amazing story.

We’re excited to share their story and to have We Add Up set foot on Antarctica! Special thanks to Lauren Wylie for arranging this photograph and sharing their story with us. Read about her adventures in Antarctica here and her blog here.

From left to right: Lauren Wylie (New York, NY, USA), Joe Spedding (Newcastle, UK), Emily Pritchard (Melbourne, Australia), Caroline Koiter (Rijnsburg, The Netherlands), Zach Rome (Brooklyn, NY, USA), Robert Swan (UK, Australia, Antarctica), Ivo Nederpelt (The Hague, The Netherlands), Adam Scherr (Burlington, VT, USA)

For more information please visit http://www.2041.com
2041 was founded by polar explorer, environmental leader and public speaker Robert Swan, OBE, the first person in history to walk to both the North and South poles. Swan has dedicated his life to the preservation of Antarctica by the promotion of recycling, renewable energy and sustainability to combat the effects of climate change.