In February 2009, Arctic explorers Pen Hadow, Anne Daniels and Martin Hartley began a 1,200km expedition from Canada to the North Pole.
The purpose of their trip? To determine how much permanent Arctic sea ice remains and how much longer it will be around for.
The reason this information is so important is because the ice functions as a giant heat shield that reflects incoming solar energy. Without it, the sea would absorb the heat and expand, which could cause flooding on a global scale.
By knowing how much longer the ice will be around, we'll have a better idea of when this possible flooding could happen and what we should do about it.
Now check out the second Catlin Arctic Survey episode: MF trains with Arctic explorer Pen Hadow.
For a more in-depth investigation into the survey and the Hadow's training for it, read our exciting Catlin Arctic Survey feature in the April 2009 issue of Men's Fitness.
