#36: Arctic Ascent – with Dr. Heïdi Sevestre and Alex Honnold

Steep rock faces, surrounded by vast glaciers and massive
icebergs floating far below on the ocean - Greenland's nature is
truly unique. Not only in terms of the landscape but also because
Greenland’s glaciers and ice caps play a crucial role in climate
change. However, exploring their condition can be extremely
difficult as they are almost inaccessible due to their remote
location.


 


Our two guests in this episode faced this challenge. French
glaciologist Dr. Heïdi Sevestre researched the effects of climate
change in remote regions of Greenland, supported by a team of
scientists and three of the world's best climbers.


 


One of these climbers is Alex Honnold. He gained worldwide fame
through the Oscar-winning documentary "Free Solo," which is about
his free solo climb of El Capitan in California's Yosemite
National Park. His goal in Greenland was to make the first ascent
of one of the highest unclimbed rock walls of the world while
also contributing to science. Thus, he embarked on a memorable
expedition with Heïdi and a team of climbers and local experts.
The expedition was documented in the three-part series "Arctic
Ascent with Alex Honnold" by National Geographic.


 


In this episode, Alex and Heïdi give us insights into the
challenges of a first ascent in Greenland’s rugged nature, the
on-site research work, and the impact of climate change on a
wilderness which is crucial for the future of the planet.





Heïdi's website: https://www.heidisevestre.com

Alex's website: http://www.alexhonnold.com






The Three-Part Series premiered on National Geographic and is
available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+.


Production: Miriam Menz


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