Lewis Pugh i s a popular endurance swimmer, environmental advocate and UN Customer of the Oceans. Having swum in all the oceans of the world to highlight climate modification, Pugh just recently swam listed below an ice sheet in the Antarctic. Talking to Srijana Mitra Das at Times Evok e, Pugh discussed why this Antarctic exploration was essential:
You trained as a lawyer. What inspired you to become an environmental campaigner?
When you enjoy something, you want to protect it. And I enjoy oceans. The oceans used to be abundant. However over 30 years, I saw them alter. I saw the results of commercial fishing, plastic contamination and rising temperature levels. I didn’t want to be quiet– this is the defining issue of our times. I went from swimmer to campaigner to ecological diplomat. My function as UN Client of the Oceans now is to be a voice for the oceans, and for the marine wildlife that can’t promote itself. Penguins, whales and dolphins do not have a seat in your house of Commons, the US Congress or the Indian Parliament. Somebody requires to speak on their behalf.
For the lay individual, the Antarctic seems really remote. Why do you say it is important to humankind?
What takes place