We are excited to announce the launch of Mission Spiritus – a campaign dedicated to inspiring and educating the next generation of environmental stewards through research, adventure, and education. Mission Spiritus is more than an expedition; it’s a call to action, designed to drive sustained cultural change by highlighting the impact of human activity on the environment and empowering individuals to take meaningful action.
Our Vision for Mission Spiritus
Mission Spiritus embarks on seven expeditions to some of the world’s most remote places, advancing critical research and showcasing the resilience required to sustain life on Earth. Through these journeys, our team will work to understand the spread of micro and nano plastics in Antarctica, a frontier largely untouched by pollution studies. These research findings aim to unravel the pervasive reach of plastic waste, which has been discovered everywhere from deep ocean waters to the very air we breathe.
Our vision is straightforward: inspire action to rewild essential ecosystems and mobilise communities to protect existing forests and habitats, vital for sustaining biodiversity and human life. Mission Spiritus believes that everyone has a role in the fight to restore and preserve our natural world, and we are committed to demonstrating how each individual can catalyse a larger global effort.
Mission Goals
- Advance Research on Micro and Nano Plastics in Antarctica:
Microplastics have invaded nearly every corner of the globe, entering our water, food, and even our bodies. This campaign, in partnership with the Columbia Climate School’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, will investigate the presence of microplastics in Antarctic snow, where they are yet to be studied in detail. The findings will contribute to critical research on the long-term environmental and health impacts of these particles, especially as they are found in areas as remote as Antarctica. - Understand Human Health and Endurance in Remote Environments:
The expeditions will also generate groundbreaking research on human performance in extreme, isolated environments. Collaborating with Manchester Metropolitan University’s Department of Psychology, the team will study the physiological and psychological responses to prolonged isolation in harsh climates. This research will contribute to a better understanding of how the body copes with extreme conditions, with implications for environments as diverse as polar stations, submarines, and even space exploration. - Inspire Future Generations to Actively Protect Nature:
Mission Spiritus aims to inspire millions of children to become lifelong environmental stewards by encouraging them not only to plant new trees but also to protect existing forests. With a narrative that is accessible and action-oriented, Mission Spiritus seeks to foster a deep-seated respect for nature, showing young people that they have a pivotal role in the fight for the planet’s health and sustainability. - Shift Cultural Perspectives on Environmental Responsibility:
Through these expeditions, Mission Spiritus will communicate a powerful message about the need for environmental stewardship. Each journey will highlight the challenges and rewards of environmental research, creating a legacy that inspires a shift in how we understand and engage with the environment. By sharing our findings and stories, we hope to create a lasting cultural impact that encourages individuals to take responsibility for the planet.
The Road Ahead
Mission Spiritus is a campaign born of necessity and hope. As plastic waste continues to infiltrate even the most remote places on Earth, the need for evidence-based solutions has never been more urgent. Our expeditions represent a unique blend of adventure, science, and outreach, and they are a testament to the power of exploration in driving positive change. From polar ice fields to dense forests, Mission Spiritus will work relentlessly to gather data, inspire communities, and leave a legacy of hope and action for generations to come.
Join us on this journey and be part of a movement that seeks to transform our relationship with the natural world, protect our planet, and inspire future generations to do the same.
