By: Thomas Mitchell
Exploration is no longer just about uncharted territories and extreme adventures. Richard Wiese, the president of The Explorers Club, is leading a transformation that positions exploration as a force for scientific discovery, environmental preservation, and technological progress. By modernizing the field and expanding its reach, Wiese ensures that the next generation of explorers includes innovators, conservationists, and visionaries shaping the future.
Wiese’s passion for discovery began early in life. His father, Richard Wiese Sr., made history as the first person to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean, instilling in him the idea that exploration is not just about where you go but about what you learn. At 11, Wiese climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, an experience that sparked his lifelong dedication to adventure. However, rather than focusing on personal milestones, Wiese has dedicated his career to supporting those whose contributions to exploration often go unrecognized.
A significant initiative under Wiese’s leadership has been the Explorers Club 50 (EC50), a groundbreaking effort to highlight individuals making a profound impact on science, conservation, and cultural understanding. “The world doesn’t just need more explorers; it needs more recognized explorers,” Wiese explains. EC50 celebrates researchers, indigenous leaders, and environmental advocates who are reshaping how we see the world, ensuring their work receives the global attention it deserves.
Beyond recognition, Wiese has worked to make exploration more inclusive and accessible. Traditionally, exploration has been seen as the domain of a privileged few, but Wiese believes it should be open to everyone with curiosity and a desire to make a difference. The EC50 program has been instrumental in breaking down these barriers, giving a voice to individuals from all walks of life whose work is crucial to understanding our planet.
In addition to his institutional leadership, Wiese has become a key figure in bringing exploration to mainstream audiences through media. His Emmy-winning television series Born to Explore has taken viewers on immersive journeys across the globe, from the Arctic to the Amazon. By combining storytelling with real-world discovery, Wiese has helped make complex environmental and scientific issues accessible to millions. “If we want people to care about the world, we have to engage them in its stories,” Wiese says. His ability to translate adventure into meaningful narratives has significantly reshaped public perceptions of exploration.
The impact of Wiese’s work can be seen in the lives of those honored by EC50. “Being named an EC50 honoree truly turned my world upside down in the best way,” says Dr. Britney Schmidt, a polar explorer. “Before that, I was more of a silent member of The Explorers Club, but this recognition connected me with an incredible community of like-minded explorers who see the world in unique ways.”
Photo Courtesy: Richard Wiese
Collaboration is another defining theme of Wiese’s leadership. He firmly believes that the most impactful discoveries happen when experts from different fields share resources and ideas. “No one explores alone,” he emphasizes. “The best discoveries happen when we pool our knowledge and expertise.” Through strategic partnerships with corporations, academic institutions, and global organizations, Wiese has helped ensure that exploration remains a powerful driver of innovation and progress.
Looking ahead, Wiese sees exploration as a critical tool for addressing some of the world’s most significant challenges. Whether combating climate change, protecting endangered species, or preserving cultural heritage, he believes that exploration must be used as a means for positive change. “Exploration isn’t just about adventure,” he says. “It’s about applying what we learn to improve the world.”
Through his leadership, Richard Wiese is shaping the future of exploration, ensuring that it remains a relevant and powerful force for progress. By fostering collaboration, championing inclusivity, and highlighting the work of those making a difference, he is paving the way for a new era of discovery. Whether through his work at The Explorers Club, his television presence, or his advocacy for scientific research, Wiese continues to push the boundaries of exploration, ensuring that it serves as a tool for knowledge, connection, and global change.
Published by Anne C.
