'In the midnight sun, slaloming through icebergs' - brothers on perilous Arctic voyage

Isak and Alex Rockström, two adventurous brothers, are currently navigating the challenging waters of the Northwest Passage, a route that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. For the past two months, they have been sailing through the icy and unpredictable Arctic Circle, gathering important data about climate change. Isak, who is 26, and Alex, who is 25, are using a sextant, a traditional navigation tool, to chart their course as they make their way towards southern Iceland. Isak emphasizes the seriousness of their journey, stating, 'There is no room for error. ' The brothers are aware that the only assistance they could receive would come from a few Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers patrolling the vast Canadian Arctic. Their expedition has not been without its challenges; they have encountered icebergs and fierce winds, particularly around Iceland. One particularly intense day, they faced winds reaching 52 miles per hour, which made it nearly impossible for them to move forward. Isak recalls, 'The wind was so strong that with the engine on, we weren’t going anywhere. ' To navigate these treacherous conditions, they had to quickly adjust their sails and make some improvised repairs to their equipment. Isak describes the long journey around Greenland as 'the most challenging ocean crossing of my life,' as they battled through thick fog and ice in the Davis Strait. However, a moment of relief came when the fog lifted slightly, revealing Greenland in the distance, which reassured them that they were indeed on the right path. The brothers are sailing on their 75-foot schooner, the Abel Tasman, and they are among the youngest crews to attempt this passage. They began their journey in Norway in June and hope to reach Nome, Alaska, by early October. Isak is now a year older than Jeff MacInnis, who was the youngest person to successfully sail this route back in 1988 at the age of 25. Despite their youth, Isak and Alex are seasoned sailors, having previously sailed from Stockholm, Sweden, to the western coast of Mexico in 2019. They believe that their shared experiences on the water have strengthened their bond as brothers. Alex expresses his long-standing desire to traverse the Northwest Passage, fueled by his fascination with maps and stories of past explorers. He is also aware that this region is changing rapidly due to climate change. One unforgettable night, while sailing off the coast of Greenland, Alex experienced the beauty of the midnight sun illuminating the icebergs around them. He recalls, 'We were in the midnight sun, slowly slaloming through huge icebergs, and the light was just incredible when it shone over the icebergs. ' Isak, initially hesitant about the expedition, was convinced by the idea that it represents one of the last true adventures, combining elements of danger and isolation. Their father, Johan Rockström, is a well-known climate scientist who has contributed to the understanding of climate tipping points, which are critical thresholds in the environment that, once crossed, can lead to irreversible changes. The brothers aim to highlight how climate change is increasing the risks of reaching these tipping points, particularly in the Arctic. They have been living on the Abel Tasman while studying climate physics at the University of Bergen, balancing their academic pursuits with their adventurous expeditions. Although much of the data they collect will need to be analyzed in laboratories, Alex notes that their initial seawater measurements indicate that the waters around Greenland are colder and less salty than in the past, suggesting significant ice sheet melting. As they continue their journey, they are aware that they are entering a particularly challenging phase of their expedition. Isak remarks, 'Where we are now is one of those points along the trip that, from day one, we’re kind of fearing and very hopefully anticipating. ' Keith Tuffley, the expedition leader, points out that while melting Arctic ice is making it easier for boats to navigate the Northwest Passage, the resulting icebergs create an unpredictable environment. The brothers and their crew find themselves in a landscape that feels alien, with Keith describing it as 'desolate' and 'rugged,' characterized by a reddish hue from iron ore. Aside from a few walruses and polar bears, they are mostly alone in this remote part of the world. The Rockström brothers are not just sailing; they are on a mission to understand and protect our planet, and their journey through the Northwest Passage is a testament to their courage and commitment to climate science.