Vivobarefoot has partnered with global, intergenerational youth-led action network, Arctic Angels in a bid to drive awareness of the drastic changes happening at the Poles, especially in the Arctic. Both organisations recently came together on an expedition to Antarctica designed to inspire meaningful action first hand and help grow the Arctic Angels global network of activists. The collaboration also calls on the public to effect real change by supporting Global Choice’s 10-year Moratorium to stop exploitation of the critical Central Arctic Ocean Ice Shield and hold global leaders accountable for carbon emissions.

Arctic Angels is a global youth-led action network launched by non-profit organisation, Global Choices. Spanning 32 countries, the network exists to foster feminine climate leadership and to promote better governance and protection of the Arctic Global Commons.

The recent expedition, sponsored by Vivobarefoot, was led by revered Polar explorer, Robert Swan OBE who is also an advocate for renewable energy. The trip of over 160 participants comprised of a multi-generational team of activists including CEOs, environmental leaders and policy workers as well as Arctic Angel’s own, Emma Wilkinson and Zanagee Artis.

Zanagee Artis said: “Antarctica may not have a native human population, but it’s very existence stabilizes global climate and ensures that the places we live, work, and play are habitable. Walking on Antarctica and witnessing all of the life it fosters was an inspiring reminder of how unique planet Earth is and why we ought to continue fighting for it.”

“From Patagonia to Antarctica, I never doubted Vivobarefoot’s ability to keep my feet warm and dry while ensuring I stay connected to the ground beneath me.”

Both Zanagee and Emma were equipped with a limited, Arctic Angels edition of Vivobarefoot’s Lumi boot. The Lumi is Vivo’s warmest ever winter boot and provides insulated, grippy flexibility making it perfect for a new generation of explorers. The new, limited-edition unisex children’s boot is available to purchase from 14th November 2022 via Vivobarefoot.com.”

‘By purchasing the limited-edition Arctic Angels Lumi, customers are showing their support by bringing visibility to an inspiring intergenerational global network of young climate leaders defending the Central Arctic Ice from exploitation. These Vivobarefoot boots teach children that it is possible to tread lightly on our precious Earth’ said Inge Relph Executive, Director and co – Founder Global Choices.

Whilst the vast majority of people will never visit the Poles, most people will feel the effects if we lose the ice caps and Earth’s ability to reflect the sun’s rays. Scientists project that there may be ice free Summers in as little as ten years. Action taken now will dictate the futures of generations to come. A key action integral to Global Choices Arctic Angels is a 10-year Moratorium; a precautionary pause, on harming and exploiting this pristine biome.

By endorsing the call for a 10-year Moratorium, supporters will be building a global chorus to urge policymakers to act now to prevent sea ice from disappearing. Both organisations will also be campaigning for new member sign ups to Global Choice’s Arctic Ice Force, a growing network of multi-generational public voices committed to raising the Ice Crisis to the top of the Global Agenda.

Head of Vivobarefoot’s Live Barefoot fund, Dulma Clark commented, “We are immensely proud to be supporting the Arctic Angels project. We’ve come together with a shared understanding of human and nature’s interconnectedness. It’s been an honour to meet Emma and Zanagee, and it’s been inspiring to witness how Global Choices is successfully empowering young activists around the globe and having impact.

“By signing and sharing the moratorium letter our communities will be doing their part in ensuring pressure remains on global leaders to protect the Arctic and Antarctica for generations to come”, commented Arctic Angel’s Emma Wilkinson who attended the 2022 expedition, “Our expedition was the journey of a lifetime, and an experience that has changed my understanding of what it means to be alive on this wondrous planet. Standing on the continent surrounded by vast ice, hearing whales breathe and the rhythm of nature, I was mesmerised by this frozen landscape. Above all, I have returned hopeful. The people I met reminded me of our inherent goodness and the beauty I witnessed has re-inspired my commitment to the environmental movement. I know this journey will shape my life and advocacy in ways I can’t yet see, and I have deep gratitude for Global Choices and Vivobarefoot supporting me on this journey.”

Sally Ranney, President and Co-Founder of Global Choices said, “The time has come to awaken our collaborative and collective governance for the common good for the planet. We’re excited to see the collaboration between Arctic Angels and Vivobarefoot come to life, and hope the project is a catalyst for positive change”

The collective hope and commitment shared between the organisations is summarised by expedition leader, Robert Swan OBE who comments, “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it”.