-
Advertisement
Climbing and mountaineering
OutdoorExtreme Sports

Mountaineer attempts four of the five highest peaks in one season, with her record quest focused on climate change awareness

  • Carole Fuchs is embarking on the challenge of a lifetime, but is determined that the message is about climate change and not only her physical feat

Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
Carole Fuchs, mountaineer, is taking on four of the five highest mountains on earth in a single season. Photo: Handout
Mark Agnew

Mountaineer Carole Fuchs is taking on one of the hardest challenges imaginable, but she wants the project to be about more than just the physical feat.

She will climb the four of the five highest peaks on earth in spring 2021, and will use her platform to raise awareness about climate change, install solar panels, make biofuel available to local villages – and collect data for climate change experts.

“I was smashed after climbing Everest, after one mountain. So I know this going to be the challenge of my life,” the Japan-based Frenchwoman said. “It will be a female record for sure, it's a sports record but if I just go there and do it and have no one following it will have less impact, and there will be no reason to be there.”

Advertisement

Fuchs will attempt to climb Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m) Kanchengjuma (8,586m) and Makalu (8,481m).

Carole Fuchs pushes her limits on an ultramarathon, but her next challenge will be harder than anything before. Photo: Handout
Carole Fuchs pushes her limits on an ultramarathon, but her next challenge will be harder than anything before. Photo: Handout
Advertisement
She was inspired by Nirmal “Nims” Purja, a Nepalese Sherpa who climbed the 14 highest summits in the world in just six months.

“Everyone said this is impossible, so he named his tripped Project Possible. No one believed in him, but he started little by little and proved to everyone he could do it,” Fuchs said. “He is not sponsored, he is a Sherpa, he doesn't haven't North Face or anyone like that, he is just a normal, humble guy. It's amazing. And now it's my turn I think.”

Advertisement
Select Voice
Select Speed
1.00x