His is a ground-breaking expedition and is even more extraordinary because Parker is just 16 and trying to raise the money himself to pay for the expedition.

The British Safety Council is supporting Parker because he says he is “on a mission to inspire, inform and engage young people in a real dialogue on the urgent environmental issues facing the Polar Regions”.

The past few years of extreme weather have demonstrated the impact that climate change is having on the world around us. This is an issue that affects all of us. “This expedition is significant because it will provide important data from an area that is immensely difficult to access and study, “ Parker said. “Together with my expedition partner Doug Stoup we will be the first ever team to provide scientific data from the North Magnetic Pole. 

Parker uses every opportunity to influence key players about climate change and last year he shared a platform with anti-poverty campaigner Bob Geldof and Kofi Annan, the then UN secretary general. 

Parker is supporting the British Safety Council’s Speak Up, Stay Safe campaign to keep young people safe at work.  At the North Pole where the temperature averages minus 35, Parker needs to be acutely aware of the risks simply to be able to survive, but he also understands the risks that young workers face every day in the workplace which can be seriously underestimated.

Julie Nerney, British Safety Council chief executive, said:

“We are delighted to be working with Parker as his expedition supports our aim to increase awareness of key environmental issues and help businesses to take responsible action.”