Mark is a freelance writer & social media manager for UKClimbing, Sidetracked, The British Mountain Guides, Once Upon A Climb, and others. A pretty impressive client roster I think you’ll agree! He’s in a prime position to offer us some interesting insights into the climatic effect he’s seeing on the sports of mountaineering and climbing, so I really hope you like the interview.
Can you tell me about your background and how you’re involved with sports, please?
I studied Sport & Exercise Science at University, after a multi-sport childhood. I’ve always been a keen runner, and into fitness/gym, but discovered climbing aged 29 and then obsessed on that!
How important is sustainability to you, and what led you to become interested?
It’s important enough that I’ve turned down work on outdoor events. Eg: Running one thousand racers around the Ring of Steall is, in my opinion, morally wrong and harmful to the environment. I have quite a strong moral compass for sustainability in the outdoors (I also refused work when it involved flying to Europe to cover a Red Bull event).
In what ways have you seen the climate emergency affect climbing and mountaineering?
I’ve seen a decline in snow & ice in Scotland during winter, and summer Alpinism has become dangerously unstable in Europe.
What steps are you taking personally to reduce your environmental impact?
Most of the usual practices: recycling, reducing carbon footprint when travelling, and basically trying to be a good citizen.
Do you believe the sports industry has a unique role to play in addressing climate change?
No not really, I think it’s a wider societal problem. In fact, I think a lot of outdoor enthusiasts are only motivated by selfishness (i.e. save our winters because I want to go skiing!).
“… there is too much more, more, more.“
Are there any athletes you admire for their commitment to sustainability?
I know lots of pro-climbers who don’t fly anymore; and that means they forgo the chance to climb ‘world-class’ routes in other continents, potentially hindering their careers.
What are the cobenefits you envisage in your sport that we could enjoy if we focused more on sustainability in this field?
It is simply not in vogue to say it, but I would encourage a ‘less’ is more culture. I feel like there is too much more, more, more. Accessibility, diversity, inclusivity (all good things!) are encouraged and people want to inspire others to see the myriad of benefits the mountains can bring to us all (mental health, exercise, appreciation of nature, community, etc.), but no one seems keen to ask what we can do for the mountains.
It is unsustainable to keep encouraging ‘more’ from an environment that we’ve already purged of huge amounts of biodiversity. I would like to see more protection: tolls, permits, rewilding, less access to help ‘natural’ areas recover and thrive, less farming and less recreation (and yes, that includes me!).
Thanks Mark for a really open and honest interview! It can be so hard to be candid when talking about such a potentially triggering topic, so I appreciate each and every interview that my interviewees spend time on. THANK YOU!
And for all those asking about the stunning photo of Mark above, it’s him soloing California Arête in the Dinorwic Slate quarries in North Wales.
If you’d like to follow Mark, head over to his inspiring and beautiful Instagram page with all his crag-tastic explorations.
Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the interviewee. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Marjolein Thickett, The Native Crowd or its affiliates. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Readers are encouraged to explore their own views and to read as much as possible on this topic.
