Let's support Lore on her Antarctic Expedition!
- Created on 15 February 2022
- Last changed on 05 April 2022
Let's support Lore on her Antarctic Expedition!
In March 2022 one of students, Lore van Onsem will set sail on ‘The Ocean Victory’ for an Antarctic Expedition with ClimateForce2041 and we couldn’t be prouder! As one of the dynamic co-chairs of our sustainability committee, Lore van Onsem has been instrumental in raising awareness and influencing action in sustainability at IS Hilversum. She has overseen many initiatives and projects within the school; from the introduction of air filtering plants within the school, in class sustainability tutorials for students and teachers, mentoring younger students to leading our annual whole school sustainability day.
'My goal is to become a leading activist for sustainable change, mostly interested in the psychological and political aspects to the crisis. In my journey towards this I want to inspire others to become more effective climate activists and develop my knowledge on the subject." - Lore van Onsem.
The sustainability committee she co-chairs has over 50 student members. It provides many opportunities for our students to become active and contribute to sustainability and meaningful change through our school's Service as Action (SA) and Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) programs within our IB curriculum. It is no surprise that Lore plans to continue exploring a career path towards becoming a leading activist for sustainable change.
For her grade 10 Personal Project Lore wrote a book titled 'If Nature Had a Voice'. This book caught the attention of Darcy Winslow, co-founder and founding president of the Academy for Systems Change. Darcy suggested Lore join her on ClimateForce2041 team on the 2022 expedition to Antarctica. To support her passage on this once in a lifetime opportunity Lore sold copies of her personal project book and set up a go fund me page. She has also successfully found sponsorship for some of her expedition gear from Patagonia. Patagonia itself has been a world leader in creating a company that is committed to driving social and environmental change.
"This, the fact that it is a once in a lifetime opportunity and my passion for the climate, resulted in me applying – and getting accepted – to go to Antarctica. Unfortunately, due to health problems, Darcy cannot join me on this journey, but I have decided to go regardless." Lore van Onsem.
The 12-day Antarctic expedition is on board The Ocean Victory, a ship with the lowest passenger emissions in the cruising industry. Two of the expedition leaders are Robert Swan (OBE) who in 1986 completed the longest unassisted march in history after skiing 70 days, 900 miles across Antarctica. In 2018 his son Barney Swan was the first person to trek the South Pole entirely by renewable energy.
The expedition aims to '... train inspirational participants on up-to-date climate science, sustainability, and leadership skills.' Lore will participate in The Leadership-On-The- Edge (LOTE) program as the expedition aims to '... equips participants and leaders with the tools to create meaningful change in their communities, institutions, companies, and governments in order to benefit this beautiful planet that we all call home.' (The Explorer's Passage.)
. 
'The expedition itself is based all around climate change; we will follow workshops from amazing people (like Robert Swan, who founded the expedition), connect with successful climate activists all around the world, experience the effects of climate change in the area it is most visible, and learn from this magnificent environment. Being one of the younger participants, I hope to represent the youth in this climate crisis' - Lore van Onsem.
As a school community we are privileged to have such a committed leader amongst our cohort of students. Lore’s passion for climate matters and her dedication to raising sustainability awareness has influenced and created action towards long term change within our school environment. She is an inspiration and a mentor to students across the year levels and we have no doubt the experience of this expedition will see her grow in her knowledge, wisdom and enthusiasm towards her passion for climate activism. Investing in her in an investment in the future of our planet! We encourage you to sponsor her through her go fund me page. Lore will be sharing her expedition through her photos, and we look forward to sharing more of her story as prepares to undertake this colossal adventure.
** All Antarctic photos are credited to:
Some links:
An article and podcast featuring Lore.