Climber's mountain challenge for climate change

A man is climbing the equivalent of Dix Mountain in the US to raise awareness of climate change.

Chris Horan, 44, from Corfe Mullen, Dorset, is rock climbing 50 metres a day, in the month leading up to his birthday on 27 March.

All money raised for the 1.48km-climb (1 mile) will go to international charity Friends of the Earth which focuses on environmental, economic and social issues.

He told BBC Radio Solent he had chosen that distance because the global average temperature in 2023 was 1.48C above the pre-industrial average.

“The message on climate change is clear, we’ve got to rapidly decarbonise,” he said.

He explained he would be climbing both indoors and outdoors at a variety of locations for his challenge, including Queen Elizabeth Leisure Centre in Wimborne, Project Climbing Centre in Poole and The Cuttings on Portland.

He aims to raise £2,000.

Ciara Golding, at Friends of the Earth, said: “More people than ever are concerned about the environment and are making sustainable choices in their own lives.

But we can only achieve the urgent action needed to cut emissions and meet our crucial climate targets, if our political leaders act now and hold polluting industries to account."

Ms Golding added: “We wish Chris all the best with his incredible challenge and efforts to raise awareness about the harmful impacts of climate change.”

“I love climbing, I climb regularly - two to three times a week - and regularly with my daughter," Mr Horton added.

“Personally, I’ve done a lot... I’ve brought an electric vehicle, got solar and house battery, stopped flying, and eat and buy local.

“But there is only so much you can really do as an individual.”

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