"I got to know about the International Antarctic Expedition through a friend who had gone on the expedition last year. Everything he told me about his experiences was exciting. I was particularly fascinated by the achievements of Robert Swan. I read his work and decided to apply," Kakad said.

Swan, who initiated the 2041 campaign to generate awareness about the year when the international treaty that prevents drilling and mining in Antarctica may be reviewed, led the first corporate expedition to Antarctica in March 2003. According to the 2041 campaign website, he has taken over 770 corporate leaders, educators, students and entrepreneurs from around the world.

Kakad, who graduated from the Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce last year, has just appeared for the chartered accountants final examination.

In the first round for qualification for the expedition, he wrote essays on climate change issues and the need for Antarctic preservation. He believes it was his work for NGOs like Jagriti Sewa Sansthan and Goonj that convinced the organizers of his commitment and earned him his spot in the expedition.

"I now have to arrange for the finances for the expedition. The cost of the expedition is $ 22,000 and other expenses for travel, insurance and gear would be about $ 4,000. I am looking for corporate sponsors," Kakad said.

The 14-day expedition will allow Kakad and others selected for the programme to explore the continent taking them through Drake Passage to the western coast of Antarctica and to King George Island, which is the location of the 2041 E-Base - the first education station on the continent that runs entirely on renewable energy.

A key part of the programme is the plans made by the participants on how they will impact climate change on their return.

Kakad plans to conduct seminars in schools and colleges where he would share his experiences from the expedition to inform, engage and inspire others to act on climate change.

Robert Swan started his polar explorations by undertaking a walk to the South Pole often called 'In the Footsteps of Scott'. The 900 mile-long journey made without the aid of radio-communication or back-up support is the longest unassisted walk made on earth. He followed the success of this expedition by undertaking a walk to the North Pole, becoming the first man in history to walk to both poles.

Having experienced the effects of global warming firsthand - his eyes permanently changed colour because of exposure under the hole in the Ozone layer in Antarctica - Swan became an environmental activist.

Quote: "As the last unspoilt wilderness on earth, Antarctica is currently protected by a treaty prohibiting drilling and mining until 2041. Decisions made by today's youth will impact our entire planet's ecosystem and the future of life on earth."