The Arctic
Svalbard, Norway
June 29 - July 8, 2024
The 2nd Annual Walking Softer Leadership Summit is headed to The Arctic! Join scientists, artists, business leaders, philanthropists, policy leaders and more in this unique immersive experience to deepen our understanding of our planet's health and strengthen our relationship with it.
Post-trip Archive
Rediscover the best moments! Check out the list below for photos, videos, presentations, and more content you might have missed or want to revisit.
Podcast:
• Arctic Circle Podcast →
Books:
• Arctic Dreams by Barry Lopez →
• Brave New Arctic by Mark C. Serreze →
• Future Arctic: Field Notes from a World on the Edge by Edward Struzik →
Articles:
• Climate Change and Security in the Arctic - The Center for Climate Security →
• As the ice melts, a perilous Russian threat is emerging in the Arctic - The Guardian →
• Climate Change in the Arctic - World Wildlife Fund →
• Arctic Peoples - Arctic Council →
• Climate Change In The Arctic: An Inuit Reality - United Nations →
• Why Polar Bears Need Sea Ice - One Earth →
• Arctic Could Be ‘Ice-Free’ Within A Decade, Scientists Warn - Forbes →
• This Dutch startup has a plan to help save Arctic sea ice - Fast Company →
• What is stored in the Arctic ‘Doomsday Vault’? - Sarajevo Times →
• Russia’s Tough Talk on Arctic Sovereignty Must Be Taken Seriously - Geopolitical MonitorUnder →
• Under Sea, Under Stone - RFE/FL →
• Global Coral Bleaching a Warning, "not a death sentence" - Axios →
• Heat-Related E.R. Visits Rose in 2023, C.D.C. Study Finds - The New York Times →
• Inside a Navy Submarine Navigating the Arctic - The New York Times →
• Modi Will Feel the Heat in a Third Term. And Not Just Politically - The New York Times →
Videos:
• On Thin Ice: Why Ice Loss Matters - NASA Climate Change (2:13) →
• The Melting Ice of the Arctic - DW Documentary (2 parts, 42 minutes each) →
Our Ship: Greg Mortimer
Our private experience aboard the Greg Mortimer includes a dynamic expedition team—seasoned photographers, marine biologists, historians, naturalists, and a top performing hospitality team.
Prepare to be inspired, fascinated, and truly enchanted as you join an amazing community of Changemakers from around the world.
Trip Highlights
- Sail for 8 nights on the luxury, purpose-built ship: The Greg Mortimer who’s access to the farthest regions exceeds traditional ships
- Programming will include the highest level of expertise, inspiration, and adventure: a series of bespoke panels and captivating speaker sessions will delve into cutting-edge climate solutions and educational insights
- Made up of captivating expedition leaders and naturalist guides, the Aurora Expeditions Team will unlock the doors to pristine natural spots
- Adventure through the abundant waters and vast tundra by Zodiac, foot, and kayak for unparalleled encounters with the natural world
- Foster meaningful connections at intimate salon dinners where ideas flow freely over delectable cuisine
Expedition Schedule
Arrival in Oslo, Norway
June 29th
- Hotel check-in at Sommero House, art deco hotel in in Oslo's Frogner neighborhood
- Kick off happy hour drinks and appetizers at the historic Grand Hotel
Charter to Longyearbyen
June 30th
- Private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Svalbard
- Embarkation on the Greg Mortimer
- Settle into cabins and set sail
Arctic Voyage
July 1st - 7th
Daily Walking Softer programming: keynote speakers, scientific lectures, panel discussions, breakout sessions, workshops, and curated relationship matching for each guest to learn and connect with each other
- Daily excursions on land and in zodiacs (inflatable boats)
- Wildlife sightings of whales, polar bears, walruses and more
- Exciting Citizen Science opportunities
- Kayaking opportunities (limited space)
Disembarkation
July 8th
Private charter flight to Oslo, Norway
- Fly home
“By bringing people together through Walking Softer Experiences, we envision a future where our guests embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and purpose redefinition. Together, we share this collective existence, and it is our responsibility to shape it into an extraordinary journey. Let us revel in the uniqueness of this moment in history, channeling our determination, energy, and delight into the pursuit of our ambitious goals for a healthier planet. Bring the fun while creating meaningful global change!”
Victoria and Vinny Smith
Walking Softer Founders
Walking Softer is on a mission to inform, inspire, and support Changemakers to take bold and immediate action in the conservation and regeneration of our planet.
Learn More
Watch the 2023 Leadership Summit to Antarctica Highlight Video.
