30 March 2021, London: Extreme E has today expanded its Scientific Committee with the appointment of Professor Carlos Duarte, one of the world’s leading minds on marine ecosystems. His appointment comes in advance of Extreme E’s opening race in Saudi Arabia as the series strengthens its commitment to raise awareness for the climate issues facing the locations in which it races.
Alejandro Agag, CEO and Founder of Extreme E, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Professor Carlos Duarte to the Extreme E Scientific Committee”.
“As one of the most qualified and respected marine biologists on the planet, who has a precise understanding in Red Sea Ecology, we are thrilled he accepted our invitation to join the Extreme E family. We look forward to sharing his knowledge as we aim to deliver on our commitment to use our sport to raise awareness of these important issues.”
Distinguished Professor Duarte is based at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and holds the Tarek Ahmed Juffali Research Chair in Red Sea Ecology, making him perfectly placed to advise Extreme E in the lead up to its Saudi Arabian Desert X Prix, and Legacy Programme in the area.
During his decades of dedication to ocean health, Professor Duarte has published more than 900 scientific papers and has been ranked within the top one per cent of Highly-Cited Scientists by Thompson Reuters. He has also received many honors, including the G. Evelyn Hutchinson Award from the American Society of Limnology and Oceanography in 2001, the National Science Award of Spain in 2007, and most recently in 2020 the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Ecology and Conservation Biology.
His research focuses on understanding the effects of global change in marine ecosystems and developing nature-based solutions to global challenges, including climate change, and evidence-based strategies, which aim to help rebuild the abundance of marine life by 2050.
Professor Carlos Duarte said: “I am delighted and honoured to join Extreme E’s Scientific Committee. The potential of Extreme E to elicit solution-driven action at the biodiversity-climate interface is immense, by engaging audience through sports into imagining a shared vision for a sustainable planet.”
Extreme E will showcase electric SUVs and futuristic technologies in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments.
This five-event global voyage will utilise its sporting platform for the purpose of promoting electrification, environment and equality. The series’ goal is to highlight the impact of climate change in some of the world’s most endangered environments and promote the adoption of electric vehicles to pave the way for a lower carbon future.
Louisa Tholstrup, Extreme E’s Science, Legacy and Locations Manager, said: “I am so pleased that Professor Carlos Duarte has agreed to join our team of climate change experts which also includes renowned scientists Professor Peter Wadhams (Head of Scientific Committee), Dr Lucy Woodall, Professor Richard Washington, and Francisco Oliviera PhD.
“Together, the Extreme E Scientific Committee advise the series’ education and research programmes, event logistics and impact as well as the recommendation of positive legacy initiatives which support local communities in each race location. It is a crucial role and we are delighted to have such a strong team to support our goals off the race course.”
Extreme E will confirm details of its Saudi Arabian Legacy Programme in the coming days, ahead of the Desert X Prix getting underway on Saturday 3 April.
To learn more about Extreme E, visit – www.Extreme-E.com
About Extreme E:
Please visit the Extreme E media centre to access images, videos and press releases: https://www.extreme-e.com/en/mediacentre
Extreme E is a radical new racing series, which will see electric SUVs competing in extreme environments around the world which have already been damaged or affected by climate and environmental issues. The five-race global voyage highlights the impact of climate change and human interference in some of the world’s most remote locations and promotes the adoption of electric vehicles in the quest for a lower carbon future for the planet.
To minimise local impact, Extreme E races will not be open to spectators, with fans instead invited to follow the action through live TV broadcast, and on social media.
The St. Helena, a former passenger cargo ship, has undergone a multi-million Euro refit to minimise emissions and transform her into Extreme E’s operations hub. The ship will be used to transport the championship’s freight and infrastructure, including vehicles, to the nearest port, minimising Extreme E’s footprint, as well as being used to facilitate scientific research through its on-board laboratory.
Extreme E is also pioneering hydrogen fuel cell technology which will enable its race fleet to be charged using zero emission energy. This innovative solution from AFC Energy uses water and sun to generate hydrogen power. Not only will this process emit no greenhouse emissions, its only by-product will be water, which will be utilised elsewhere on-site.
Season 1 Calendar:
Desert X Prix: AlUla, Saudi Arabia
3-4 April 2021
Ocean X Prix: Lac Rose, Senegal
29-30 May 2021
Arctic X Prix: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
28-29 August 2021
Amazon X Prix: Para, Brazil
23-24 October 2021
Glacier X Prix: Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
11-12 December 2021
About Enel Foundation: Founding Scientific Partner
Enel Foundation is non-profit organisation focusing on the crucial role of clean energy to ensure a sustainable future for all. By developing partnerships with pre-eminent experts and institution across the globe, leveraging on the vast knowledge of its founders, Enel Foundation conducts research to explore the implications of global challenges in the energy domain and offers education programs to the benefit of talents in the scientific, business and institutional realms.
About Continental Tires: Founding Partner and Official Tire Partner
Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent, and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. Continental generated preliminary sales of €37.7 billion in 2020 and currently employs more than 235,000 people in 58 countries and markets. In 2021, the company celebrates its 150th anniversary.
The Tires business area has 24 production and development locations worldwide. Continental is one of the leading tire manufacturers with more than 56,000 employees and posted preliminary sales of €10.2 billion in 2020 in this business area. Continental ranks among the technology leaders in tire production and offers a broad product range for passenger cars, commercial and special-purpose vehicles as well as two-wheelers. Through continuous investment in research and development, Continental makes a major contribution to safe, cost effective and ecologically efficient mobility. The portfolio of the Tires business area includes services for the tire trade and fleet applications, as well as digital management systems for tires.
About CBMM: Founding Supplier
CBMM is the world leading supplier of niobium products and technology. Headquartered in Brazil, with offices and subsidiaries in China, Netherlands, Singapore, Switzerland and the United States.
CBMM offers technical innovation to customers around the globe through a team of over 2,000 highly trained, dedicated professionals providing cutting-edge niobium products and technology to over 400 clients in around 40 countries.
About LuisaViaRoma:
Defined by the Financial Times as “A haven for directional fashion,” LUISAVIAROMA.COM is the top online luxury fashion destination with 5,000,000 visitors per month and worldwide shipping. With each new season, the website presents the collections of more than 600 established designers and young emerging talents.
About Neat Burger: Official Plant-based Partner
Neat Burger is the first of its kind – the planet-friendly, plant-based, full-flavoured game-changer the world has been waiting for. The world’s first plant-based sustainable burger chain, Neat Burger offers a menu that appeals to not only those who follow plant-based diets, but anyone, meat-eaters included, who wants to eat delicious meat-free dishes that are more sustainable, healthier and ethical. The brand is backed by seven-time FIA Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton, in collaboration with hospitality organisation The Cream Group and investors, as well as UNICEF Ambassador and early backer of Beyond Meat Tommaso Chiabra. Neat Burger opened its first site in September 2019, just off Regent Street in London, and its second and third dine-in outlets at Camden Market and Soho in 2020. Plans for global expansion across Europe, the US and Middle East are already in place for 2021 and beyond.
About XITE ENERGY:
XITE ENERGY was founded by Oliver Bennett and Megan Jones straight out of university two years ago. XITE brings disruptive innovation within the beverage industry; a new frontier to energy drinks. Designed around functionality but with no limitations on health, XITE ENERGY uses functional ingredients that are fused together to provide a cognitive boost, combining natural flavours, natural caffeine and zero sugar.
