“There was a time in history where explorers were discovering new territories. New continents, the bottom of the oceans, the top of the mountains. Then there was a moment for space exploration, going to the moon. And now I think exploration is clearly about sustainability. That means how to live better on Earth, how to change the things that don’t work into new ways of doing and new ways of thinking. So, for me, this is clearly the task for exploration today. And I think explorers are credible when they speak to heads of states or heads of big corporations or media or whoever, because explorers, they know about life. They know about nature. They know about solutions. They know about technology. They know about respect for nature. So we need to have explorers much more active in that quest for sustainability. And this is why I think The Explorers Club today has a very, very big role to play. The members should be more vocal. They should really carry the flag of sustainability, of quality of life, of respect for the environment, and pull a lot of people into that trend.”
— Bertrand Piccard

Overview

Welcome to The Explorers Club Sustainability Committee page. Guided by our President’s vision, grounded in our Committee Charter, and shaped by our strategic directives, this Committee exists to champion responsible, future-focused exploration. We aim to inspire, educate, and empower every member to embrace sustainable practices—both in the field and at home. Through collaborative efforts, we ensure The Explorers Club leads by example, integrating cutting-edge sustainability solutions into our expeditions, operations, and collective mindset.

ECAD Sustainability Happy Hour – April 24th

To kick-off ECAD weekend, the Sustainability Committee will host a mixer and networking for Club Members who arrive in town early, with drinks available for purchase at the bar.

All Members welcome – April 24th at 7PM

Venue: Club Headquarters, Explorers Corner Bar

Dress code: Casual

Summary and Link to Sustainability Charter

The Sustainability Committee Charter formally establishes our role as an advisory body to The Explorers Club Board of Directors, ensuring sustainability is central to the Club’s mission. Drawing on the U.S. National Academy of Sciences’ definition of sustainability, the Charter outlines our purpose—to inspire, advise, and lead the development of policies and practices that integrate environmental responsibility into all Club activities. It specifies the Committee’s structure, duties, and accountability measures, guiding our efforts to educate members, collaborate with stakeholders, and drive meaningful, measurable progress.

Read the Full Sustainability Committee Charter

Summary and Link to Sustainability Policy

The Explorers Club Sustainability Policy serves as a roadmap to align exploration with environmental stewardship. Setting ambitious goals—like reducing emissions, moving toward zero-waste events, and embedding sustainability into Club culture—it provides a clear framework for responsible resource use, sustainable expeditions, and inclusive practices. Grounded in transparency and member engagement, this policy paves the way for The Explorers Club to lead in sustainable exploration and serve as a global model of environmental responsibility.

View the Full Sustainability Policy

Summary and Link to Board Reports

Regular Board reports provide insight into our progress, highlighting achievements, areas of growth, and ongoing initiatives. These reports ensure transparency, keep members informed, and maintain accountability. They’re a vital resource for anyone interested in seeing how our sustainability commitments translate into action and measurable outcomes.

View the Last Board Report

On The Frontiers of Sustainability

On the Frontiers of Sustainability is a column in The Explorers Journal curated by James Fountain. It highlights cutting-edge technologies, innovative projects, respectful exploration practices, and the cultural dimensions of environmental stewardship. By showcasing the work of our members and the communities they engage with, this column demonstrates that exploration and sustainability not only coexist but thrive together.

Forging a Sustainable Future

Considering the Cultural Narrative

Call to Action: Have a journey or project to share? Reach out to James Fountain at jfountain@explorers.org and join this collective effort to redefine exploration’s role in protecting our planet.

WhatsApp Channel

Please reach out to sustainability@explorers.org if you are an active member and are interested in joining our WhatsApp channel.

Resources

To deepen your understanding of sustainability and explore frameworks that guide global efforts, consider these resources:

Contact

Have questions or want to get involved? We’d love to hear from you. Email us at Sustainability@Explorers.org.

Check out the Sustainability Committee’s most recent piece in the column “Forging a Sustainable Future” written by committee co-chair James Fountain.

Statement from the President, Richard Garriott

To All Club Members,

It is my pleasure to announce the adoption of The Explorers Club Sustainability Policy following the Board of Directors Meeting held on October 23, 2024.

This policy is designed to deepen the Club’s commitment to responsible exploration and ensure that our activities contribute positively to the preservation of our planet. Guided by our newly established Sustainability Committee, this comprehensive policy has been developed and sets forth clear objectives and actionable steps toward promoting sustainable practices within our community.

We invite you to participate in this important journey by completing a brief survey. Your insights and feedback are invaluable to guide the Club in this regard.

 

A webpage has been developed that will provide further details and updates on the sustainability initiatives including the outcome of the survey, the policy, and the Committee Charter. A WhatsApp group will help connect members on this issue and support the implementation of the policy.

We will keep you all informed on our progress and trust you will join us in embracing this vital step forward in our Club’s illustrious history.

Yours in Exploration,

Richard Garriott
President, The Explorers Club

committee

  • James Fountain - Chair
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  • Costas Christ
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  • Grace Cordsen
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  • Mike Dieterich
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  • Helena Janulis
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  • Martin Kraus
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