GROHE X Keynote 

When ice turns into water

Børge Ousland’s subject is climate change. But the now overused and somewhat tired phrase does not convey the drama of what Børge has witnessed – and what he now wants you to understand. He has spent his life in the most remote, inhospitable regions of our planet, closely observing the environmental changes brought about by global warming and their effects on the people and animals who live there. His efforts to bear witness to what he calls the “only livable planet we know exists” in its moment of distress are what give his stories urgency. If he cares so much, and will put himself in such peril to expand his knowledge, then shouldn’t we care enough to act? 

Børge is realistic about the damage done and the dangers we face. But he is not one to despair. His work in bringing the effects of climate change to our attention is certainly a warning. But if we hear the warning and act on it, then there is hope…