DES MOINES, Iowa — Renowned global explorer and avid climber Mike Libecki will make a stop in Des Moines to share stories about his travels and the time he's spent studying polar bears in the Arctic.
Libecki will give a presentation at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, at the Des Moines Civic Center.
His talk, 'Paddling with Polar Bears', is the first installment of Des Moines Performing Arts' Explorer Speaker Series.
Libecki has traversed the globe, exploring remote areas and untouched mountain peaks.
He's visited all seven continents, Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, Afghanistan, Antarctica, Greenland, Guyana, Siberia and Socotra among other places — all in an effort to complete 100 global expeditions by the age of 100.
Named National Geographic Adventurer of the year in 2013, a Dell Ambassador and Adidas athlete, Libecki produces, directs and films his expeditions to take audiences to every corner of the planet.
In an interview with Local 5 News, Libecki says his travels are about more than just seeing new places.
"It's been organic, seeing this world, and saying gosh... I need to make the world a better place," Libecki said. "I can be the change in this world, just like everyone else. So, I feel responsible to try and give back."
His primary focus through travel is humanitarian work and conservation efforts.
Libecki and his daughter run a 501C3 nonprofit dedicated to building homes and schools in various countries around the planet. They also install solar panels.
He also advocates for sustainability efforts like reducing single-use plastics, and wildlife protections, including banning the hunting of polar bears in Arctic regions.
If you're interested in hearing and seeing more about Libecki's work, click here for ticketing information.