Thames swimmer completes epic swim for climate change
7 August 2006
On Sunday 6 August, Lewis Gordon Pugh, polar explorer and endurance swimmer became the first person to swim the entire length of the River Thames, an incredible 325km from its source to the sea at Southend-on-Sea, to highlight WWF’s campaign to stop climate change.
Lewis started at the source of the Thames nearly three weeks ago and has passed through Oxford, Reading and London, meeting with Tony Blair at Downing Street, before finishing up on the Essex coast. Lewis had to avoid swans, submerged shopping trolleys and the odd boat to take the record for swimming the full length of the Thames.
Lewis, 36, who has already defied the elements by swimming in the icy waters of Arctic and Antarctic, has become increasingly concerned about the effects of climate change both on the polar regions and in the UK. By swimming the Thames, Lewis has been highlighting the need for us all to take action on climate change now.
In the Arctic he saw first-hand the effect that climate change is having on this region's fragile beauty - rapidly retreating glaciers and melting sea-ice threaten its existence and that of the polar bear. But it's not just the Arctic - the impacts of climate change will be felt globally including in regions such as the Thames and the south-east of England.
Lawyer Lewis said: “This challenge has proved far more difficult than I expected due to the drought and the heat wave. I have been overwhelmed by the tremendous support I have received during my swim and can’t thank people enough.
“I just hope that that my swim down the River Thames has brought home the message that we all have to do what we can to tackle climate change.”
Lewis kicked off the challenge on Monday 17th July by running the first 19 miles from Kemble, Glos., as the Thames is only a trickle at that point, before diving into the river at Lechlade. He swam the equivalent of half the English Channel every day. A support team and barge followed behind the intrepid adventurer to monitor his progress and safety.
Geraldine Marsh, WWF Regional Campaigner, said: “We are really proud to support this heroic first that will highlight the impact that climate change is having on the world. What we do in the UK has a direct effect on the Arctic and Antarctic regions. It’s great that he is taking time out to meet local school children and share his personal experiences of the effects of climate change.
“WWF is calling on the UK government to stick to its target to reduce CO2 emissions by 20 per cent by 2010. People can show their support for WWF's Climate Change Campaign by signing our petition to Tony Blair and by making a personal pledge to save carbon.”
Research shows that if current trends continue central London could be submerged within the next 100 years – the Thames barrier has been activitated 55 times in the last 20 years due to tidal surges and sea level rises.
The threat of flooding due to climate change is so severe that the government predicts the barrier may be raised as many as 325 times a year by 2100. It is estimated that if just one flood broke through the Thames barrier it would cause damage of around £30bn to London – roughly 2% of the UK's GDP.
