The North Pole lies at the top of our planet. The South Pole sits at the opposite end. Chris and Julie Ramsey are getting set to do something no one has ever done before. They’re going to drive from one pole to the other. And they want you to join the adventure!
This Pole to Pole will cover 17,000 miles (27,300 km). It will begin on the frozen Arctic Ocean. The Ramseys’ car will cross through 14 countries across North, Central, and South America. At last, the expedition will end in Antarctica. The trip will start in March 2023 and last for 10 months.
The Ramseys expect to explore many cultures during their trip. “We’re going into countries that many students may not learn about,” said Chris Ramsey. “When we get to Ecuador,” he added, “we’re going to go into the Amazon and meet a rainforest tribe.” The Ramseys want to share their experiences. That’s why News-O-Matic will be covering the journey!
There will be many articles about Pole to Pole. They will explain how the Ramseys are preparing. And the couple will share updates throughout the big trip. But News-O-Matic won’t simply report on the expedition. We’re inviting students to engage with the explorers. You can ask lots of questions. Students can even design a flag for the expedition! (That contest will launch later in 2022.)
The Ramseys aren’t taking this trek just for fun. They want to show the power of electric vehicles — and raise awareness of climate change. After all, most cars use gasoline for fuel. Burning gasoline creates carbon dioxide, which traps heat in the . That makes climate change worse. The Ramseys will drive an electric Nissan Ariya, which doesn’t use gas.
“We want to show people how good electric vehicles are,” said Chris Ramsey. Of course, the Ramseys won’t be able to plug it in everywhere they go. So, they’ll bring along a mobile wind turbine. That can turn strong winds into electricity. The Ramseys will also bring solar panels. “That will enough energy to allow us to charge the car,” added Ramsey.
Right now, the Ramseys are preparing for the trip in Aberdeen, Scotland. Soon they’ll test their electric car in Iceland. They need to make sure it drives well in the ice and snow. And they’re still figuring out the final details.
Chris Ramsey said he’s most excited to “get out there and meet people.” And he wants News-O-Matic readers to ride along. “So, follow our journey,” he said. “Send us your questions. Tell us what you want to learn about,” Ramsey added. “We’d love to engage with you along the way.”
Updated September 27, 2022, 5:02 P.M. (ET)
By Russell Kahn (Russ)
