Explorer Mark Wood embarks on 'last' Arctic trek

Mark Wood's 60-day trek aims to expose the true fallout of climate change in the Arctic

An explorer is embarking on what could be the last expedition from the Russian Arctic Coast to the geographic North Pole.

Mark Wood will brave open water, thin ice and polar bears in a trek inspired by 20th century explorers Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton.

Scientists predict climate change will make the trip impossible in about 30 years.

The adventurer will record every aspect of the trip for future generations.

Mr Wood and his two companions will pull a sledge packed with 140kg of survival kit, which will drop to 50kg by end of the 60-day trek.

Mark Wood has previously completed an epic solo ski across the South Pole, covering 612 miles in seven weeks

He said: "This expedition isn't something you get in a travel agent.

"It's a real hardcore expedition that goes back to the days of the great journeys that Scott and Shackleton put together, so we are harping back to the original exploration days. Modern day pioneers of ice if you like."

Mr Wood is no stranger to treacherous expeditions - he has climbed Everest and completed an epic solo ski across the South Pole, covering 612 miles in seven weeks.

His upcoming 600-nautical-mile trek could see him cross paths with polar bears.

He said: "We will be on their radar if you like and they can swim long distances, they can run fast; they're very powerful predators but it's just something we will have to deal with."

The trek will see the adventurers journey through polar bear territory