Former Royal Marine Commando, polar explorer and motivational speaker, Alan Chambers MBE, is currently leading the second of seven ground-breaking expeditions through the gruelling conditions of the Oman desert. These seven expeditions make up Mission Spiritus which is a scientific investigation intending to address the exponentially worrisome byproduct of the modern age – the presence and distribution of micro and nano plastics in every corner of the World.
What are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic debris in the environment that have become more and more prevalent due to the disposal and breakdown of the vast amount of consumer products and industrial waste.
These traces of plastic have been discovered in almost every corner of the Earth and Mission Spiritus’ scientific expeditions are crucial for understanding the unavoidable environmental impact of this plastic waste on humans and other species.
It is already proven that microplastics are present in the wind systems that control our weather and have even managed to violate the human body by crossing the placental barrier. To address this issue, evidence-based findings – like those being conducted by Alan and the team – must be used as a way to empower practical change.
The Mission
As expedition leader, Alan and a small team of expert adventurers are partaking in a 26-day journey through the Empty Quarter. They are determined to complete the most comprehensive study ever of micro and nano plastics in any desert region. To achieve this, they will collect 52 sand samples to be used for detailed analysis and thorough studies on human health.
This 679-mile journey through the largest sand desert in the world will not only focus on crucial research, it will also test the strength of human resilience. They will travel in extreme conditions where temperatures can reach as high as 40°c, battle against rugged terrain and, potentially, face sandstorms as strong as 50mph.
During the second phase of the expedition, Alan and his team reached the pre-determined rendezvous point, only to discover that their support crew was nowhere in sight. Battling relentless sandy winds and rising uncertainty, they fought against the worsening conditions to set up their emergency shelter which provided much-needed protection from the harsh desert elements. With no response from the VHF radio or satellite communication for four tense hours, the team began to make contingency plans. Thankfully the support crew was spotted on a distant dune. Upon their reunion, they discovered that the delay was caused by the relief vehicle encountering its own share of challenges, including a punctured tyre, engine trouble, and multiple extractions from treacherous sand traps. Lessons were learnt and plans were adjusted to prevent similar issues re-occurring.
Determination, mental fortitude and their ability to overcome adversity has allowed Alan and his team to continue fighting through the desert to accomplish their mission. Now onto the fourth and final phase of their journey, they will travel on camel back picking up sand samples every 20 km to ensure the completion of this prodigious operation.
Who is Alan Chambers?
Alan Chambers is a polar adventurer, author and motivational speaker who, after spending five years researching, planning and training, led the first successful British unsupported expedition from Canada to the Geographic North Pole.
Walking 672 miles in temperatures as low as -65°C and dragging a sledge the weight of a baby elephant, after a gruelling seventy days on the ice, Alan and team mate Charlie Paton, raised the Union Jack on top of the world on 16th May 2000.
The same year, he was awarded an MBE by HM The Queen for ‘effective leadership in constant adversity'. Read more about Alan’s many other adventures, achievements, expeditions and speaking topics here: https://www.nmplive.co.uk/alan-chambers
For further information about Mission Spiritus and to follow their journey, visit: https://missionspiritus.com/
