Explorer Mark Wood: The chilling truth about our warming planet

Mark Wood is a renowned climate change speaker, explorer and environmental educator whose frontline experience in polar regions brings urgency to the climate conversation. 

On his expedition “Race Against Time”, he crossed frozen seas and witnessed rapid warming at the North Pole - transformations he now translates into powerful stories for businesses, schools and communities.

With a background as a Royal Geographical Society fellow and former British Army soldier, Mark merges resilience, insight and narrative to call audiences to act. 

In this interview with The Sustainability Speakers Agency, he discusses how exploration deepened his commitment to environmental advocacy, how organisations can adopt sustainable practices, and why each of us has a role in preserving the planet.

Q: During your Race Against Time expedition, what changes did you witness in the Arctic, and how did these shape your perspective on climate change?

Mark Wood: “So in 2016, a team of three of us were dropped by a long-range Russian helicopter on the Russian side of the Arctic Ocean. The helicopter disappeared. Then we were left alone to cross to the geographic North Pole.

“Five years prior to this, I soloed almost the exact terrain that we were doing at that time. But the difference within those five years was remarkable. 

“What we didn’t understand when we reached the North Pole itself was that it was in the hottest season ever recorded at the Pole, and subsequently every single year since then has warmed up. So it’s been the hottest season every single year.

“What I got out of that expedition wasn’t reaching the North Pole; it was actually understanding that I had a responsibility to tell that story. 

“As an explorer for the last 10 years, I’ve been documenting every expedition, working with scientists and educators to put out the idea that climate change is really happening - but what can we do about it effectively?”

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Q: Sustainability has become a pressing business concern. From your perspective as an explorer, how can companies take meaningful steps toward lasting environmental responsibility?

Mark Wood: “Companies are sustainable through two ways. One is that you are governed by government - they will give you policies, and you have to adhere to these as an organisation. This can be a shock to the system because you have to change things pretty rapidly to fall in line with their policies. 

“This could be a long, drawn-out, expensive process, but over the last 10 years it shows that it’s needed within this current environmental climate.

“There is a second way of doing this: actually looking at sustainability as something that is very proactive and needed not just through your industry, but for your clients and the organisations that you work with. To see from within that you can make quick and effective changes to improve your business as you move forward.”

Q: You often credit your time in the British Army for shaping your leadership approach. What lessons from that experience do you think business leaders should apply today?

Mark Wood: “When I left school, I joined the British Army. This is a time when I should have really gone to university or had an apprenticeship. But what the army actually taught me was about discipline, working with teams, being effective in the moment, having the right kit and equipment - and really, preparation was a big thing.

“Preparing for whatever eventuality we were sent into was key. Preparation in my world now for exploration is key to success - to train and have the right logistics in place to face what you’re going to face. Paralleling that with business, having the ability to understand what you’re stepping into is key to success.”

Q: You’ve inspired thousands through your expeditions and keynote speeches. What lasting message do you hope audiences take away from your talks?

Mark Wood: “For the past two decades, I’ve worked in the very extremes of the planet. I’ve taken expeditions to Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Himalayas, and worked with some brilliant teams. 

“What I’ve got out of it is two things. One is that I’ve understood how important the environment is to our own existence as a human race. It’s as dramatic as that, but it’s as real as that as well.

“The second thing is I’ve learned a lot about myself. I’ve understood that I’m good at some things and not so good at others. But what I’ve been really good at is keeping exploration going over the last 20 years and inspiring millions of children worldwide as well as businesses. 

“What I’d like people to take away from my talks is a sense that the environment has true worth - the planet has true worth. And also, if you have the passion, drive and determination within you, then you will succeed in whatever you set out to do.”

This exclusive interview with Mark Wood was conducted by Chris Tompkins of The Motivational Speakers Agency.

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