Counting Down – 42 Days to the Start of the Last Desert Race in Antarctica

Media Coverage of Antarctica, Last Desert Race, Climate Change…

Saturday, 20 September 2014

I had the opportunity over the past few days to participate in various media interviews in Cape Town about my upcoming running adventure in Antarctica.

Interviews were conducted with #Hashtag Radio, News24, Cape Town TV, The Green Times and Bush Radio.

The media is ultimately interested in covering the “craziness of running 250km in Antarctica in temperatures of between −20 °C and −30 °C”.

But beyond talking about the Last Desert Race and the unique experience of doing a competitive sport event in Antarctica, the various media engagements are strategic opportunities to highlight the work of Greenpeace Africa and my two main objectives linked to race.

Firstly, we are trying to raise R250 000 for a solar energy project in Gauteng, and hopefully the media (and social media) coverage which I’m receiving will ensure that a wide spectrum of people are informed about my efforts and make a donation in this regard.

Secondly, we are trying to raise awareness about issues associated with climate change – the impact of climate change on Antarctica and the global implications thereof, the need for South Africa to rethink its energy generation  policies and practices, the opportunities associated with alternative and renewable energy, etc. It is critical that these issues are better understood by all South Africans and the media has an important role to play in this regard.

A better understanding of climate change and/or the potential social and economic impact of a solar energy project on a disadvantaged community in South Africa will hopefully contribute to a better appreciation of the critical work of Greenpeace Africa and other environmental and social justice organisations, and result in significant support for my fundraising efforts.

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I’m excited about the race in Antarctica and the challenge of raising R250 000 for Greenpeace Africa, and encourage you to support my efforts and the work of Greenpeace Africa!

Please make a donation and encourage others to do the same.

“Together we can make a difference!”

Follow updates about my preparations for The Last Desert Race, and work withGreenpeace Africa, on Facebook and Twitter, my daily blog, and via Greenpeace Africa’s  various online platforms.