Matthieu Tordeur, adventurer
Discover Matthieu's inspiring journey. A multi-faceted adventurer, witness to climate change, on a mission for science, education and environmental conservation.
6/19/20243 min read
“I am not a scientist, nor a climate specialist. I see myself as a witness, with the eyes of a young adventurer on the planet. I am convinced that we need a closer link between the scientific community, who is alerting, and the general public. More than ever we need to tell the story of the Earth and the upheavals impacting it; we need to raise awareness and be agents of change. » Matthieu Tordeur
©Matthieu Tordeur
Matthieu Tordeur,
At the age of 19, he sets off on a solo bike-packing adventure that takes him through the roads of Eastern Europe. From this trip emerges his desire to discover the world, so, at the end of his studies, he leaves again. But this time, behind the wheel of his 4L, with one of his childhood friends. Their goal? To travel around the world to meet local entrepreneurs and build a meaningful adventure around microcredit in over 40 countries. Through the years, he continues to explore until his most famous expedition that leads him to Antarctica in 2019. That year, he reaches the South Pole in complete autonomy in 51 days and becomes the first French person to accomplish this feat. Today, Matthieu explores lesser-known and remote areas, most often in extreme conditions, in close connection with nature, the environment, and its immutable changes.
A multi-faceted adventurer
With a real passion for the polar world, but not only. His expeditions take him to deserts, mountains, ice floes, and oceans. He uses sport as a mean of locomotion - walking, running, cycling, pack-rafting, skiing or even kite-skiing, which allow him to access remote areas as easily and independently as possible. During his trips, he captures images and stories of the places he visits; but also of the fauna, flora and local communities, with the aim of helping us connect to these distant places through our emotions.
Witness to climate change
In 2019, during his expedition in Antarctica, Matthieu experiences a heatwave, with temperatures 20 degrees above average. This event causes record snowfall and makes his progress on ski-pulka extremely difficult. That year, the majority of expeditions abandon, but Matthieu pushes through and reaches the South Pole. On his return, he decides to use the strong media coverage he receives as an opportunity to communicate about what he saw and experienced during his expedition. He uses his experience to show and explain the impact of climate change on the poles. The beginning of a new type of adventures!
On a mission for science, education and environmental conservation
Today, his expeditions are at the heart of his work to make science more accessible, to create educational content for schools, and be an advocate for the conservation of polar regions. An essential work, in his eyes, to help all generations understand and connect with the world around them. He also works hand in hand with researchers to collect scientific data in areas that are difficult to access. In June and July 2024, Matthieu will set off with glaciologist Dr. Heïdi Sevestre for an expedition to Greenland. Together, they will test kite-skiing as an innovative mode of travel at the service of polar science. In their pulka, they will carry scientific equipment to carry out a battery of scientific protocols, including on the contamination of snow with black carbon.
Follow Matthieu's expeditions on social media
Head over to his Instagram account to dive into his adventures, discover behind the scenes, and images of his expeditions
His Youtube channel to watch snapshots of his movies and documentaries
And his website to learn more about his journey and multiple activities & services
