Thorleifsson, a former mariner in the Royal Norwegian Navy, has spent years exploring the oceans of the Far North. In 2010, Thorleifsson and the famous explorer Børge Ousland became the first to sail around the North Pole in one short season. The voyage led them from Norway, through the Northern Sea route in Russia, through the Northwest Passage in Canada, and across the North Atlantic. It was a race against time in waters with dangerous ice, increasing darkness and autumn gales.
In his lecture, Thorleifsson will make the physical environment of the Arctic come alive for his audience. He will discuss his recordbreaking voyage, the tremendous challenges encountered along the way, and the Norwegian history of Arctic exploration and the explorers of the past.
Mr. Thorleifsson will be introduced by Mari Sæther, Environmental Counselor at the Norwegian Embassy in Washington, D.C. She has worked in the environmental field for more than 20 years, and will speak briefly on climate change and the Arctic – and how global warming is affecting every corner of the globe.
Washington, D. C.: Thursday, October 04, 2012 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM at American University, School of International Service
New York City: Thursday, October 04, 2012 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM in Scandinavia House
Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD: Monday, October 08, 2012 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Concordia College, Moorhead, MN: Tuesday, October 09, 2012 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM in Knutson Campus Center Atrium
Luther College, Decorah, IA: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM in Center for Faith and Life Recital Hall
St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN: Thursday, October 11, 2012 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM in Regents Hall 150
