the-BA : Marc Cornelissen biography

After Marc Cornelissen completed his studies in 1995 at the Technical University in Delft, the Netherlands, he decided to trade in his promising career as an architect for that of a professional adventurer and organiser of expeditions.

Inspired by a number of ski trips across the frozen sea straits of the Canadian Archipelago, Marc made a failed attempt in 1996, to reach the Magnetic North Pole.

A year later however, in 1997, he returned to northern Canada to carry out a successful expedition to the Geographic North Pole. Following a 70-day trek on foot across the pack ice of the Arctic Ocean, he reached the northern-most point of the earth with a four-member team.

In January 2001, he completed a 2,300-kilometer Antarctic expedition together with fellow Dutchman Wilco van Rooijen. After they reached the South Pole, they returned to the base from which the expedition departed. The completion of this feat has made Marc a member of a very select group of people that has succeeded in reaching both the North Pole and the South Pole in their own strength.

His experiences with large and often complex expeditions form the basis for many television documentaries, books, publications and intriguing lectures and training programs for business organizations. With his new projects he focuses on modern-day exploration and endorsing a sustainable future for our Planet.

In the beginning of 2005 he returned to the Arctic Ocean where he led an international team to gather data for climate change research. This expedition brought together a unique mix of experienced explorers and passionate professionals in the fields of science and nature conservation. Its aim was also to reach a broad audience and inspire people to take up the challenge of reducing the emission of greenhouse gases.

In the coming years he will work closely with Ben & Jerry’s, WWF and the scientific community to involve young adults in debate and action on climate change. To find out more about his latest initiative check out: http://www.climatechangecollege.org/

In March 2006, Marc was a panellist at My Climate Is Changing at the Dana Centre.

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