February 2019: Mission to Antarctica

The opportunity arose to spend two weeks with leading experts, conservationists, scientists and journalists on an expedition to Antarctica to learn and contribute to creating positive impacts for the region. Plenty of time amidst the ice and ocean was led to brainstorming investment ideas with Tenke Zoltani. What about creating 'health insurance' for the 5 major ocean currents that ultimately end up in the Antarctic, structured before the Antarctic Treaty ends in 2048, versus straightforward ecotourism options. Currently 40 tourist-carrying vessels are licensed to arrive in the Antarctic (not all landing) but this has already grown exponentially, and China is commissioning new ships to take their passengers--so how do we mitigate the potential negative effects on the environment in a financially sustainable way? Working on issues of conservation and pollutants, the members of the voyage ideating on how impact investing could offer opportunities in the future in keeping the continent wild, beautiful and healthy.