KTVQ

Posted: Feb 9, 2010 6:19 PM
Updated: Feb 9, 2010 6:19 PM

BILLINGS - Over the past 45 years, polar explorer Will Steger has witnessed what he calls alarming change during his Arctic expeditions.
    
Tuesday nigh at the Billings Depot, he'll talk about his personal experiences with climate change and why he believes Montanans should care about it.
 
Since the 1960's Steger has traveled tens of thousands of miles by kayak and dogsled through the Arctic tundra leading teams on some of the most significant polar expeditions in history.
    
In his 65 years, Will Steger he has filled his life to the brim with adventures, never thinking he would see the effects of climate change while traveling through the Arctic.

But within the past 15 years, his view point has change almost as drastically as the polar ice caps.

"In 1995 was when I went to cross the Arctic Ocean and I did all my research, I left on March 8th which was the date that was safe," explains Steger.  "But I didn't factor in Global Warming.  Second day out we got caught in a storm that broke up all the ice and we were very lucky to get back on solid land alive."

Steger understands that the terms "global warming" and "climate change" now have the stigma of a political agenda.  But he says the severity and reality of the issue can't be ignored.

"The problem here is that global warming has gone politcal so it becomes polarized," Steger says.  "Rather than really looking at the facts, the problem that we're facing, and also the solutions to that problem."

The renowned explorer, author, and photographer says we're on the brink of something wonderful and something terrible.

"The U.S. and human kind in general are on the edge right nowm" states Steger.  "That to me is a very good place.  Because it forces the development.  So if we get it together we're going to do just fine.  But like climbing, if you're on the edge and you're not prepared, you're going to go off the wall."

During his presentation Tuesday night at the Billings Depot, Steger will share how Montanans can play a role in the climate change solution.

The event is free and open to the public.