In the realm of polar exploration, where icy landscapes meet the unyielding force of climate change, a duo emerges with an inspiring vision — to intertwine luxury travel with environmental stewardship.
Meet Hugo Hinrichsen and Jenn Bonilla, the visionary minds behind a pioneering polar expedition company that is poised to redefine adventure tourism while championing climate restoration.
Hinrichsen, a distinguished ex-frigate captain, brings a wealth of operational expertise honed through commanding naval and air-naval divisions in Chile and beyond. His illustrious career as a polar helicopter pilot and sailor endowed him with the skills to navigate rescue missions and emergencies in the harshest environments.
Witnessing the sobering effects of global warming firsthand in Patagonia ignited Hinrichsen’s advocacy for environmental conservation. Inspired by John Martin’s quote, “Give me half a tanker of iron, and I’ll give you an ice age,” Hugo embarked on a quest for climate restoration solutions, culminating in prestigious recognition for his innovative ocean fertilization policies.
Reflecting on his journey, Hinrichsen explains that “… living amidst breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia shaped my childhood. Yet, the specter of climate change threatened to erase the winters I cherished. Determined to make a difference, hoping my children might experience the world I knew, I delved into ocean fertilization, seeking to combat its effects.”
Joining forces with Hinrichsen is Jenn Bonilla, a seasoned strategist and research psychologist with a PhD from Princeton University and a certificate from Stanford University. Her passion for scaling global biotechnology businesses to drive meaningful impact aligns seamlessly with Hinrichsen’s vision. Together, they embarked on a mission to establish Positive Polar, a polar expedition company that integrates cutting-edge climate technology with opulent travel experiences.
Their brainchild, Positive Polar, aims not only to offer unparalleled adventures but also to raise awareness about the fragility of our planet. Bonilla remarks: “Tourism, when fused with conservation, becomes a potent tool for change. Our aim is to redefine travel, intertwining luxury with environmental consciousness.”
Central to Positive Polar’s ethos is its commitment to scientific advancement. Alongside guests, a team of scientists accompanies expeditions, fostering an environment where passengers observe, learn and celebrate the strides made in climate restoration and ocean research.
Breakthrough science recognizes whales as natural ecosystem engineers, fertilizing the ocean — thereby creating more fish in the sea — and potentially having a beneficial impact on our climate as they remove carbon from the atmosphere. Positive Polar will directly follow and support the restoration of whales in our oceans with all of the attendant benefits these creatures provide simply by being. Together we can advance our understanding and steward the oceans.
