Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 01:48:05 GMT

Congratulations Mr.Sanders you made it to the North Pole! What an experience and certainly something you will never forget. I watched the video of you taking the plunge into the freezing water. You have alot of courage jumping into that water. I know I couldn't have done that at all. Too cold for me! Hope your feet are not hurting anymore. Glad you made it!

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

Daniel Schlafer — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:51:29 GMT

Mr Sanders... I would like to thank you and your team for an outstanding report ! I do wonder how much vodka you consumed before not after your Artic plunge ? We had all ready read about your beer sacrifice. Do you know understand why people in Fairbanks, Alaska, have a high rate of alcoholism ?

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

Doug, CT — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 14:10:23 GMT

I think it is hypocritical that NBC is advertising their Green Week yet is sending correspondents and crews to the Artic and Antarctica. How much damage was done sending Ann Curry, crew and equipment to Antarctica? What was gained? Nothing! I'm sure NBC has or can get plenty of stock images of Antarctica to supplement a segment on Antarctica and global warming.

NBC's actions are just another example of "acting" green to make money rather than to do the right thing.

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

Donna Portsmouth NH — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 14:43:02 GMT

I'm jealous! I'd love to visit the North Pole! :)
Donna from Portsmouth NH

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

Ted Williams — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 15:16:09 GMT

I think its ironic that while you are doing these reports about the environment you are flying your reporters all over the planet which is a waste of fuel. Then on the today show in between stories about global warming you show your giant christmas tree from a helicopter and you're using a giant crane to lift the tree. Cutting down that tree is a waste and look at the fuel you wasted in the helicopter and the big crane. The network is owned by GE anyway, think of the pollution they have created over the years.

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

Leon Bogue,cherry Valley,IL. — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 15:41:46 GMT

50 years from now, the ice is gone, water temp about 45 deg F, the sun will burn your eyes with sun glasses on.

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

Brian Michelli, FT Belvoir, VA — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 16:08:24 GMT

WOW, I am jealous Mr. Sanders. The trip and the swim of a life time. This is something to always remeber.Maybe your trip will help spread some more interest in the plight of our environment.

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

Patrick Nixon — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 16:12:02 GMT

I've done the Polar Bear club thing locally so this story caught my eye. Congrats on getting to do it at a place few will be able to visit. Given that global warming is not factual and is bad science though people will be able to do the same in 50 years so you do not have to wonder.

Now you just have to visit the South Pole and try it somewhere near there.

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

sharon, inverenss, fl. — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 16:22:17 GMT

I think it is wonderful that NBC is trying to bring awaareness to the public. Mr. Sanders you had the trip of a life time. My Great Uncle went to the south pole with Admiral Bird many years ago. We still have the letters and memories from that trip. You and your family will always have these memories. No matter what anyone thinks I think NBC is doing a great job of bringing the issues with global warming to the surface. Keep up the good work!

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

nellie paramus, nj — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 17:19:08 GMT

Came upon this site quite by accident and never have been part of blog. At any rate, Mr. Sanders you have one great fan here. For me, that would be the trip of a lifetime - without the swim. The comments are interesting, but sometimes not fair to "rip" someone's else's thoughts. As far as this trip being "hypocritical", to do any kind of research or reporting, you need to get to the site. Since we haven't evolved to the wing growing stage in order to fly ourselves there, should we just drop all scientific research and reporting? I think not - I don't think this trip was wasteful. This is calling our attention to the problems the world faces today and for the future. Keep up the good work - both Mr. Sanders and the bloggers.

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

Ebru Apak — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 17:25:12 GMT

I am super envious, I'd want to go there as well. Congrats.

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

WillR, San Francisco, CA — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 17:54:28 GMT

Yes, indeed, cherish those memories. If there's enough oil left for your children to visit the North Pole they'll need sunblock and beach umbrellas....

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

elery — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 18:02:39 GMT

I like to travel to places. But, the North Pole? Why? Anyone with any imagination would know what it would be like beforehand. Flat, white, ice covered, with small patches of water where the ship has crushed the ice. Are we leaving yet?

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

Jacob Bath, Derry, New Hampshire — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 18:40:10 GMT

It must feel good to be one of the first ever people to make it to he north pole huh? I know I would want to be there... well for a little while. Nice job.

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

Aaron, Saint Paul, MN — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 18:55:54 GMT

In 50 years there will be the same amount of ice, the water temp will be 28.9 degrees, and Al Gore will be viewed as an misguided opportunist. I am, however, jealous of your opportunity to go the the North Pole. It must have been an amazing adventure. I have to ask though, did you see any evidence of Global Warming? How was that water treatin' ya?

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

dkennedy, nn, VA — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 20:06:10 GMT

Did you see Santa?

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

Nik P Charleston SC — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 20:16:01 GMT

Doug, you said what I wanted to...the world need to build millions of solar powered ice-makers to keep the both poles from melting --all these "tourists" are just making it worse and everybody knows (well those who have a little brains) when there is no snow the sun will hit the water and warming will be rapid. How can you convince morons who are still skeptical of Charles Darwin and his theories?

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

Doug, CT — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 20:43:56 GMT

For Nellie,

Yes research at the poles should be should be done. But NBC sending correspondents to the poles is not research. By sending correspondents to the poles to have an interesting background for their correspondents only added to the problem for which they are trying to raise awareness. If they wanted to simply show the poles they could have us stock film footage from their or other film libraries and save the tons of CO2 add to the atmosphere.

What research was gained by sending Lauer to Greenland, Rocker to Ecuador and Curry to the southpole with their crews and equipment? Again nothing that couldn't have been done without adding to very problem they are talking about. NBC could have done more by saying "Normally we would have sent a crew to this location but in following our Green week theme we saved (filling the amount) tons of CO2 being added to the atmosphere. Instead we RECYCLED film footage of this location that we already had."

It is always best to lead by example. NBC had a chance to do this but these chose to have a correspondent take a vacation, in the name of research, to the north pole. What a waste of resources and opportunity.

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

X-topher Myers, San Diego, California — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 20:54:58 GMT

ON the tree thing, Why doesn't NY just buy/bring the whole tree and either return it to the person it was taken from or keep it and let it continue to grow in the same place. I have never been to NY but I would think that the tree could stay year round, right?

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

B HENDRIX — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 21:11:39 GMT

What a humbling experience. I only wish I was that brave to say I made such an accomplishment. What wonderful memories you have made.

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

Chad, Wallawalla, Washington — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 21:24:17 GMT

To Aaron - Al Gore? Are you saying there is no global warming? Just the fact that you are able to take a boat to the pole is not proof enough? Wake up and quit making temperature a political issue!

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

Jean Hurley, Ft. Myers, Fl — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 22:00:13 GMT

another great report Kerry, I am sure your mom is proud of you..even the jump in the water.Keep up the good work.

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

Peter, Seattle Wa — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 22:04:04 GMT

Doug said it all. Too bad the masses can't even begin to comprehend his words.

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

Randy, Concord California — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 22:07:05 GMT

Does anyone remember the days back in the 60's when they were saying we are about to enter an ice age? While I understand we need to take precautions to take care of our environment I still don’t under stand why people in Berkeley and San Francisco tout they are green, just go there and see how many cars the local folks have green in the city is far from the truth.

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

Petra Cahill — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 22:12:25 GMT

One of the most frequently asked questions about our trip to the North Pole has been: What about the carbon footprint you created by going there?

Good question, with a simple answer: There was no carbon footprint. The ship, Yamal, is nuclear powered, and thus does not create carbon emissions.

Although, the half-life of spent uranium is, or course, a whole other problem.

Thanks for your interest, Kerry Sanders, NBC News Correspondent

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

Russ, Tracy, CA — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 22:27:43 GMT

Wow, that certainly looked like fun!
I’m convinced that your act of actually being present at the pole was far more compelling to the audience than a lame shot in front of a green screen with stock footage in the background.
The public has a notoriously short attention span and you won’t keep their attention by standing in front of a green screen and spouting off environmental facts and figures. Let’s be honest, those facts and figures while important can get boring after hearing them for the nth time. An actual trip to the pole, with facts and figures sprinkled in is a far better way to “spread the word”.
You never hear people complain about how Greenpeace uses diesel gasoline burning ships.

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

Jordan Macarus Westmont, Illinois — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 22:30:50 GMT

I think it's great that NBC is finally helping to increase awareness about environmental issues. And I, too, am envious of your plunge into those sacred waters.
People, like myself, that have been studying environmental impact for 20+ years know that we don't have much time at all to respond in a big way to the global ecological crisis that we are knee deep in. Global Warming exascerbates all the environmental stresses: Fires, floods, violently unpredictable storms, species extinction and habitat destruction. There are many dangerous exponential functions, such as CO2 production, driven primarily by human population levels and unconscious, greedy economic practices.
With the declining numbers of bees and phytoplankton will follow the decline of many other species.
So this increased promotion needs to be only the beginning. We need Local, National and International Sustainable Policy. And we need it Now. So, NBC, please start digging even deeper. Interview the likes of Lester Brown and William McDonough. Get this issue front and center with every politician and business. Sustainability and Human Population Levels are the two fundamental issues we need to face; all other issues including the Iraq War, terrorism, disease, etc. will continue to escalate till we devote ourselves to building the economic infrastructure of rational resource management. The US needs to take the lead. The big money will keep trying to stop a comprehensive environmental movement till they realize that we're all in this together. And we have precious little time. - Ecological processes have gone into exponential decline. Everything is changing faster than predicted. It is not possible to overstate this imperative.
Peace through intelligence and application,

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

Craig Stout Princeton, WV — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 23:39:20 GMT

An interesting mix of messages here. Criticism of the trip verse applauds. Environment verses exploration.

Environment has to be saved, but not to the exclusion of the people. The people have to make the difference....the attitude of "taking the world's resources for granted" has to be stopped. But we can't change the route (and therefore expand it by turns and miles)of a whole interstate that saves time and gas and resources because a newt no one had ever seem before was found.

Everyone thinks nuculear (sp) energy is the answer. What about the waste? Just recently a South Carolina waste site was closed to all outside nuculear (sp) dumping. This means 11 states have to create their own dump site. That waste lasts forever.

Coal to gas is not perfect, but their is an abundant supply of coal in America that would help us be self-sufficient. Don't like coal? Stop using electricity, for 60% of the electricity comes from coal operated plants. It's here, it's ours it needs to be used. Technology to clean it up needs to be developed to help us use the environment, not destroy it.

People complaining about mountain top removal and stream fill-in need to remember that once the mountain is removed, new trees and vegetation is planted. And not just scrub trees either. Those who complain then go get on the TV (using electricity) write a song and get it published, distributed, sold (all using electricity) and then benefit from their protest. All the while hypocrtically using electricity to protest.

We all need to cut back. We all need to recycle. We all need to wisely use our environment, our technology, our resources so that our children and our children's children have a world to enjoy.

It's not just the US. Unfortunately, China is like the US was 20-30 years ago. Growing, eating up their resources and polutting the environment. We are outgrowing our world.

Additionally, because the morality and civility of the world is decreasing, a growing "me and/or mine" attitude means each of us cares only about our little corner of the world.

NBC wasted money, resources and efforts ONLY if they went on their own to the Poles. If they hitched a ride on an exploration trip then they were wise stewards of the environment and brought us a wonderful report. If not, they have contributed to the waste.

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

Jimmy Crackhorn — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 23:44:28 GMT

No Carbon Footprint made by the slave labor that manufactured all of your ptrochemical winter wear by Patagonia, Mountain Harwear, Or Columbia Sports? Those nice warm boots you wore, the excessive amount of caviar and wine you took with you? You narcissists do not sacrifice on a trip like this. There's a carbon cost to this kind of escapade no matter what you think you achieved taking a nuclear powered vessel. I hope you all learned something and can share it with the world because otherwise you were the wrong people to send and money could have been better spent on another project or to support science in the region. Y'all look a little overwight, I don't think any of you are by nature a conservationist or an outdoor enthusiast.

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

Lewis, Portland, Oregon — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 00:24:24 GMT

Did you see SANTA CLAUSE working on my gift. It's due here at my home in only about six weeks!

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

Not Sure, Columbus, Ohio — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 00:35:09 GMT

That was great! In 50 years the ice will be melted, even if the global warning is not man made it can not be denied that it is a real phenomenom. The evidence is everywhere, how can people still be so ignorant to think it is a farse?

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

P.A. DEPLAND, Lake Wales, Florida — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 01:07:19 GMT

What on earth are they celebrating? The GREED and STUPIDITY of that portion of MAN(I can't say KIND) that has brought us to the beginning of a WAKE for many, probably most species on EARTH! It could still be avoided by excising the greed genes and reducing the human population to 1750 levels which our sphere could properly sustain with "quality of life". A LAW permitting only one child per couple with immediate, irreversible sterilization of both parents ensuing, is the only fair way out of the GREED, GOVERNMENT and ECCLESIASTICALLY inspired ponzi scheme of spiraling population which has brought us this mess. The three latterly mentioned parasitic groups will scream "bloody murder" because they will be forced to reduce, which would be quite a welcome novelty!

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

Hanalei Kango, Hanalei, HI — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 02:52:52 GMT

Brrr!! Just reading this makes me cold, and looking at your pics makes me shiver!

When you return, come see us on the beach in Hawaii! It's sunny and warm here . . . .
http://www.kango.com/hotels/hanalei_hi_hotel_25583677.html

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

Eduardo Machado, Wadsworth, Illinois — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 03:23:08 GMT

Congratulation in this accomplishment.

The photo shows Nery Ynclan at the left and not at the center. She is my relative and I kwnow here well.

Congratulations again

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

Violet, Newmarket, NH — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 03:53:04 GMT

Where's Santa Claus?

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

James Junior, Rapid City, SD — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 05:03:17 GMT

Great going. There is nothing wrong with visiting the poles and reporting to us the public. We go along with you in a sense because of your reporting. You guys and girls keep us up on environmental issues and so that does so much good. Thank you.
As for those who do not believe, all I can say is that some choose to believe the lie. Ice sheets pulsate in size and shape but what does thousands of bits of evidence say? Is it not true that hundreds of scientists, historians, and governmental as well as private agencies agree that global warming is not only real but dangerously threatening? With Asia increasing their dependence on oil and gas I do not think our feeble attempts to restrict our usage will do anything. We may have to face the inevitable and that is a warmer earth with high sea levels. Island nations will disappear while other nations will shrink. By that time we will have addressed the fossil fuel dilemma but we already have gone too far. Thank goodness for Al Gore and others who chose not to listen to the propaganda of the far other side who want to keep the big businesses and criminal corporations going with out restrictions.
Enjoy the poles and by the way, I never did picture open water at the geographical top of the North Pole. I guess it does open up a little in the summer.

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

Zak, Cincinnati, OH — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 06:45:03 GMT

Whether NBC correspondants went or not that boat was going to set sail. The only time to make the trip is during the summer months, the voyage is not possible in the winter when the north freezes over. In other news the infamous north passage was or is open this year.

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

randy TX — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 06:53:29 GMT

Can't we just leave nature to be nature? Stuff like this shouldn't be "enjoyed" by anyone. Sorta like the folks who climb mountains. Same idea. Oh, well. If I wanted to see the poles, I would call them up on Google earth

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

Heather, St. Louis, MO — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 18:56:41 GMT

I love when people don't believe that Global Warming is real. I guess 100% of all scientists could be wrong about it, and it really is just a theory! Oh well I suppose. In that first picture up top, he isn't even wearing a coat. I thought the North Pole would be a tad bit colder. Oh well. Me and my silly thoughts.

Taking the 'polar plunge' at the North Pole

john florida — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 20:28:33 GMT

CHAD,WALLAWALLA,WASHINGTON:
THE BOAT YOU REFER TO IS A NUCLEAR POWERED ---ICE BREAKER--- THAT SOMEHOW ISN'T JUST A BOAT.OH AND ONE MORE THING AL GORE MADE TEMP. A POLITICAL ISSUE...