Greenpeace icebreaker leaves Arctic waters 2013

Greenpeace’s icebreaker is to leave Arctic waters after the environmental group claimed Russian authorities threatened to use force against it.

The Arctic Sunrise was on Monday afternoon leaving the Kara Sea and anArctic shipping route after the Russian coast guard said it had entered the area illegally and warned it would use force if necessary, Greenpeace said.

It marks the end of a three-day incursion by Greenpeace into the NorthernSea Route to protest against Arctic oil exploration by Rosneft and ExxonMobil.

Four members of Russia’s coast guard carried out a “mandatory inspection” of the boat earlier on Monday, shortly after Greenpeace launched inflatable boats with banners reading “Save The Arctic” near a Rosneft exploration vessel.

Greenpeace said it would call on the Dutch government – where the icebreaker is registered – to consider a legal complaint about Russia’s alleged violation of the international law of the sea, and freedom of expression.

Russia had turned down three requests from Greenpeace for permission to enter the Northern Sea Route – a new potential transit for Asia-Europe trade – saying that the width of the ice belt was insufficient.

The Northern Sea Route, controlled by Russia, is seen as an increasingly interesting shipping alternative in the long term for Asia-Europe trade. But for the next decade or so, most experts believe it will be most useful in allowing Russia to export any oil or gas it is able to extract from sites close to its Arctic shoreline.

Rosneft and Exxon have started testing in the Kara Sea. Rosneft on Wednesday reportedly offered to buy Greenpeace a television set as TV programmes could give the environmental group objective information about Rosneft’s intentions.

Christy Ferguson, a Greenpeace campaigner on board the Arctic Sunrise, warned of the damage an oil spill could cause in the remote area. “If an accident happens here it will cause irreparable harm to the entire region. There is no proven method for dealing with an oil spill in icy conditions, and cold water stops the oil breaking down for many years. Polar bears, walruses and rare creatures like the narwhal will lose their habitat and this place would be devastated.”

Greenpeace says Russia’s refusal to grant it permission was contrary to international law, while it claimed drilling in the Arctic national park was against Russia’s environmental laws.

Russia’s ministry of transport on Wednesday justified denying the icebreaker permission, by saying Greenpeace had not provided information about the width of the vessel’s protective ice belt.

 Source :http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/b119257e-0e2b-11e3-bfc8-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2d63DWQz1

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13 Year Old Completes Everest Climb and Looks Ahead

You may remember the discussions of 13 year old Jordan Romero taking on Everest a few weeks ago, the story was met with public controversy over the parent's willingness and support of such a dangerous climb. Though there were those who were outraged and then those who were supportive of young Jordan's ambitions and cheering him on.

Well last weekend Jordan managed to successfully tackle Everest safely, adding to his list of momentous achievements and becoming the youngest person to successfully complete the summit. Though he isn't stopping there. Just days after arriving back in Nepal he told reporters of his next goal- Ascending Mount Cho Oyu, a 8 201 meter peak on the Tibet/Nepal border in Autumn. Mount Cho Oyu is the sixth highest mountain in the world. The first recorded ascent of Mount Cho Oyu was in 1954. Though since has become quite a popular summit, which is considered the easiest of the 8000+ meter peaks.

Jordan also noted that he is planning on completing his primary goal in the winter, by ascending each of the highest peaks in all of the 7 continents. He has already completed 6 of these peaks and the final remaining ascent shall take place in the winter in an attempt to conquer the Vinson Massif in Antarctica. Though like Mount Cho Oyu, Vinson Massif is far from the most difficult challenge young Jordan has faced, and in fact is also known as a fairly easy peak to ascend in comparison to some of what he has done before. Vinson Massif, while the largest peak in Antarctica is only 4,892 meters- a far less daunting height than previous challenges.

Jordan remains optimistic about completing his goal and also hopes to encourage other youngsters and adults alike to become more active, stating: "I am doing this to set an example for them and try to motivate them to get outdoors and set goals," 

source: http://www.rockclimbing.com/News/Trips_and_Expeditions/13_Year_Old_Completes_Everest_Climb_and_Looks_Ahead_1114.html

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Supertopo 2010 Climbing Helmet Choice Awards

On Monday the 28th June 2010 the results of the SuperTopo 2010 Editors’ Choice Awards for Rock Climbing Helmet category were announced, listing this year’s best climbing helmets and best value for climbing helmets. The SuperTopo.com staff chose the following winners after extensive field testing in Yosemite, Colorado, and Utah. Each nut tool underwent extensive side by side tests to evaluate key performance metrics such as comfort, breathability, adjustability, durability, and other factors.The winners are:

Petzl Meteor 3 – Winner of the Editor's Choice Award for 2010. It was the most solid but for tiny placements, especially in areas with pin scars. According to gear tester Chris McNamara, "The Meteor III was a runaway favorite of all our testers and gets the SuperTopo Editors' Choice award. This is the lightest, most comfortable helmet tested. If you can afford it and are looking for the best (and have the awareness to take proper care of it), go with the Meteor III."

Petzl Elios – Winner of the Best Buy award for 2010. This award is given to a product that balances an extremely high score in our tests and a very reasonable price. According to Chris McNamara, "This gets our Best Buy award because it scores second highest yet costs $35 less than the top-scoring Meteor III. Get the Elios if you want a durable helmet that is relatively light weight and can do anything."

CAMP Armour – Winner of the Recommended award for 2010. This award is given to products that scored very highly, and offered unique capabilities. According to Chris McNamara, "The CAMP Armour is a great all–around helmet. It stays in place (doesn't ride up on your forehead and slide back onto your neck), takes a beating well and has a slim, breathable profile. Not all helmets stay put on your head, but the Armour does."

Mammut Skywalker – Winner of the Recommended award for 2010. This award is given to products that scored very highly, and offered unique capabilities. According to Chris McNamaraIan Nicholson, "The Skywalker II is a great buy. For Chris Mac and a few others it was their favorite helmet in the $60 range. It fits well, takes a beating, looks cool and is amply ventilated. If you’re looking for one helmet to fit all your climbing needs – from alpine to sport and everything in between – the Skywalker II is an excellent choice."
 
source:http://www.rockclimbing.com/News/Press_Releases Supertopo_2010_Climbing_Helmet_Choice_Awards_1123.html

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