Life Changing Moments for Sunniva

It was very apparent to all who knew Sunniva, even as a young child, that she was always going to be and accomplish more. At the age of 10 she wrote to NASA asking if she could go to the moon… and that was the beginning of her life’s adventures.

Exploration Timeline

1985

Sunniva decided the call of the outdoors was stronger than the call of her computer programming job in Oslo and began the journey of what would become her life’s work.

1988

Sunniva discovered her passion for teaching. She taught rock climbing, High Sierra Backpacking, Map & Compass and Winter Camping- for Adventure 16 Outdoor and Travel Outfitters. A defining time in her life!

1993

Sunniva became a member of the 1st All-Women's Team skis to the South Pole as part of a four-woman team, reached the South Pole, having skied there each pulling 200 lb sleds.

1996

While Guiding in the Canadian Arctic in 1996 Sunniva connected with fascinating places and people. She met the former PM of Canada, Pierre Elliot Trudeau, later becoming friends and sharing lunch with Sunniva and her Mom (a longtime fan). It was this year that She returned to Antarctica as a guide and presenter.

1999

In May 1999, Sunniva led a team of three across the Greenland icecap from the East to Westside, 33-day crossing that was over 350 miles in length. She became the first Canadian woman to complete the Greenland crossing and the first Canadian woman to ski to the South Pole.

2000

Travelling to Africa in 2000 for a 5-week lecturing tour sponsored by YPO International (Young Presidents Organization) Sunniva spoke to schools and corporate groups in South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Mauritius - taking time off to climb Mt.Kilimanjaro-Africa's highest peak measuring over 19,400 feet.

2002

In 2002 she was nominated as "Woman of the Year" by San Diego council member Christine Kehoe where she flew to the State Capital to accept her award for her volunteer work andcommunity service outreach to kids and young women as part of her efforts to promote sports education and healthy lifestyles.

2011

As the Director of Travel for a large travel company in the Bay area in 2011, Sunniva started up Red Door Adventures, a blend of her love of creating opportunities for women in business and sharing the many cultures and peak experiences the outdoor world has to offer. Red Door Adventures successfully led a group to Mt Kilimanjaro where collectively, the team raised $ 40,000 for 2 non-profit groups that support research and medication for kids with Aids.

2021

Sept 2019-May 2021 the team of Hearts in the Ice spent 19 months in isolation collecting data as citizen scientists and connecting youth around the world to inspire action and engagement around our changing climate. They made history as the first female duo to overwinter in the High Arctic of Svalbard solo.

2020

In September 2020, Sunniva was awarded the Distinguished Alumnae award from Trafalgar School for Girls in Montreal, Canada where she has also been a keynote speaker for their Annual Trafalgar-Ross Lecture.

2024

The team of Hearts in the Ice hosted an Elder led youth IQ Camp in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, Canada where 10 youth, 4 Elders, LIVEIT Earth and HITI participated by sharing citizen science, filmmaking/ storyboarding, harvesting, fishing, hunting and communication with youth around the timeless IQ principles that start with respect for each other and circle back to respect for the earth.

Exploring the World’s Environments

With over 25 years in the polar regions as a historian and naturalist guide, Sunniva is an advocate for protecting the Polar regions through storytelling, citizen science, youth engagement and visual inspiration.

Follow Sunniva’s explored regions and feel the impact of change around the globe.

  • Svalbard, an Arctic archipelago, is warming at 4 times the global average, impacting its fragile ecosystems. Sea ice is melting rapidly, threatening polar bears, seals, and other wildlife dependent on ice-covered habitats. Permafrost thawing also endangers infrastructure and releases greenhouse gases, accelerating global warming.

  • The Antarctic Peninsula, one of the fastest-warming regions on Earth, faces significant ice loss, threatening marine ecosystems. Melting ice affects species like Adélie and Gentoo penguins and reduces krill populations, a crucial food source for various marine animals. Rising temperatures also increase invasive species risk, disrupting native biodiversity.

  • The Patagonia region spanning Chile and Argentina is experiencing glacial retreat, impacting water resources and unique ecosystems. Climate change threatens Andean condors, guanacos, and lenga forests, while rising temperatures increase the risk of wildfires. Drought and biodiversity loss are major concerns in this iconic wilderness.

  • Mount Kilimanjaro’s glaciers are disappearing, with scientists predicting they could vanish within a few decades. This loss disrupts local water supplies, impacting communities and wildlife in surrounding ecosystems. Temperature increases also threaten Kilimanjaro’s unique plant and animal life, putting pressure on local biodiversity.

  • The Greenland Icecap is melting at an accelerating rate, contributing significantly to global sea level rise. The rapid ice loss affects Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, reindeer, and fish species, and disrupts traditional Inuit hunting practices. This melting also releases cold, freshwater into the Atlantic, impacting global ocean currents.


  • Climate change has made the Northwest Passage increasingly navigable, raising concerns over shipping, resource extraction, and pollution in this fragile Arctic environment. The passage’s opening disturbs marine life, including narwhals and beluga whales, and risks introducing invasive species that could disrupt local ecosystems.

  • Cambridge Bay is facing warming temperatures that lead to permafrost thawing, impacting infrastructure and traditional hunting practices. Changes in sea ice patterns affect marine species like seals and fish, which are vital for Indigenous communities. Biodiversity is at risk as species shift in response to warming.

  • Vancouver Island faces rising ocean temperatures and acidification, impacting marine ecosystems like kelp forests and salmon populations. Increasing wildfires and drought threaten coastal rainforests, while warmer waters disrupt orca, salmon, and sea star populations, putting marine biodiversity at significant risk.

  • The Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are extremely vulnerable to climate change. Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification threaten coral reefs and iconic species such as Galapagos tortoises, marine iguanas, and sea lions. Climate impacts also exacerbate challenges from invasive species, threatening the islands' unique biodiversity.

  • Beijing faces severe air pollution and is increasingly impacted by rising temperatures and extreme weather. Climate change exacerbates issues like drought and heatwaves, threatening urban biodiversity and green spaces. As the city expands, habitat loss and pollution affect native species, while water scarcity pressures local ecosystems and human populations.

  • Montreal is experiencing warmer winters and more extreme weather, including intense heat waves and flooding. Climate change threatens the biodiversity of local wetlands, forests, and rivers, impacting species like migratory birds and fish. Urbanization combined with warming temperatures also increases the risk of invasive species, further stressing native ecosystems.

  • Tønsberg, located in southern Norway, faces rising sea levels and warmer temperatures affecting its coastal and marine ecosystems. Climate change is altering fish populations in the fjords, which impacts local fishing communities. Melting snow and ice in the region disrupt traditional winter activities and challenge species adapted to cold environments.

  • Zimbabwe is increasingly affected by extreme droughts and erratic rainfall, which threaten agriculture, water resources, and wildlife. Climate change has intensified these issues, impacting biodiversity in regions like Hwange National Park, home to elephants, lions, and rhinos. Drought and habitat loss place immense pressure on these species, while local communities struggle with food insecurity and water scarcity.

  • Mauritius faces rising sea levels and stronger cyclones that threaten its coastal ecosystems and unique biodiversity, including endangered species like the Mauritius kestrel and the pink pigeon. Coral reefs, essential for marine life and tourism, are vulnerable to ocean warming and acidification. Climate impacts also increase the risk of invasive species, which further endanger the island’s fragile ecosystems.

  • Catalina Island, located off the coast of Southern California, is experiencing rising ocean temperatures and ocean acidification, which threaten its rich marine biodiversity, including kelp forests, sea urchins, and the iconic Garibaldi fish. Warming waters and changing currents also disrupt local fish populations, impacting both marine ecosystems and local tourism. On land, drought and wildfires fueled by climate change pose risks to native plant and animal species, such as the endemic Catalina Island fox, which is already vulnerable due to its isolated habitat.

  • Isla Salsipuedes, part of the Gulf of California’s island chain, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich marine biodiversity, including sea lions, pelicans, and migratory seabirds. Climate change poses serious risks to this delicate ecosystem. Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification threaten coral reefs and fish populations, which are essential food sources for larger marine animals. Additionally, altered ocean currents impact nutrient distribution, potentially disrupting breeding patterns for marine species. Isla Salsipuedes and its surrounding waters face increased vulnerability from both climate change and pressures from human activities like overfishing.

How Your Journey Begins

You Have the Power to Make a Difference. Individual actions have a ripple effect, influencing global change. It all starts with reconnecting to nature and understanding your role in the fight against climate change.

  • Individual Tips:

    • Transportation: Opt for biking, walking, carpooling, or using public transportation instead of driving solo. Consider switching to an electric or hybrid vehicle if possible.

    • Energy Use: Conserve energy at home by using LED bulbs, unplugging electronics when not in use, and adjusting your thermostat a few degrees lower in winter. Install energy-efficient appliances and consider renewable energy options, like solar panels.

    • Food Choices: Choose locally grown and seasonal foods. Reduce meat and dairy consumption, as these have higher carbon footprints, and aim for a more plant-based diet. Try reducing food waste by planning meals and composting scraps.

    • CoolClimate Network (coolclimate.org): Offers downloadable resources and calculators to estimate personal carbon footprints and tips for reduction. 

    • Project Drawdown (drawdown.org): Their "Climate Solutions" section cover practical solutions for reducing carbon emissions.

    • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Carbon Footprint Guide (epa.gov): The EPA provides materials for energy conservation, transportation, and sustainable food choices.

  • • Sustainable Transportation: Vancouver Island has an expanding network of bike paths and public transportation options, including BC Transit, which has committed to a zero-emission fleet by 2040.

    • Renewable Energy Projects: Island-based renewable energy projects, like the T’Sou-ke First Nation’s solar initiative, are setting an example. Residents can explore options to join or learn from these community-led renewable energy initiatives.

    • Local Food Movement: Farmers' markets and initiatives like the Vancouver Island Green Business Collective support local, sustainable farming. Supporting these resources reduces food miles and strengthens the island’s sustainable agriculture.

  • Individual Tips:

    • Local Conservation Efforts: Participate in habitat restoration projects or beach cleanups. Consider adopting a local beach or park to help maintain and preserve its natural beauty.

    • Volunteer with Environmental Groups: Join local organizations like the Comox Valley Land Trust or the Nanaimo Area Land Trust to work on conservation and sustainability projects.

    • Support Local Eco-Friendly Businesses: Choose to support companies that prioritize sustainable practices and give back to the environment.

    • Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) (natureconservancy.ca): Offers guides for local conservation efforts and sustainable practices, which are often relevant to Canadian ecosystems and communities.

    • Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup (shorelinecleanup.ca): Provides resources, and guides, for organizing and participating in beach cleanups.

    • WWF Canada (wwf.ca): WWF provides toolkits for engaging in community conservation and advocating for environmental issues locally.

  • • Beach Cleanups and Restoration: Organizations like the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup host regular events across the island, making it easy to volunteer for shoreline preservation.

    • Local Conservation Groups: Vancouver Island has a strong network of conservation organizations, including the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Reserve, where residents can volunteer or attend workshops.

    • Support for Local Eco-Tourism: Programs promoting eco-friendly tourism encourage businesses and tourists to respect the island's biodiversity and ecosystems. Participating in eco-certified tours supports the island’s conservation goals.

Why Getting Outside Helps Reconnect People to the Natural World

You Have the Power to Make a Difference. Individual actions have a ripple effect, influencing global change. It all starts with reconnecting to nature and understanding your role in the fight against climate change.

  • Improved Mental Health and Reduced Stress: A study from Stanford University found that people who took a 90-minute walk in nature had decreased activity in the subgenual prefrontal cortex, a brain region associated with rumination, or repetitive negative thoughts. Spending time outdoors helps reduce anxiety and promotes a more positive mindset. (Stanford News)

    2. Increased Focus and Cognitive Function: Research published in Psychological Science reveals that people who spend time in natural settings have improved focus, memory, and cognitive performance compared to those who remain in urban environments. Time in nature appears to reset the brain and promote cognitive clarity, supporting both mental sharpness and relaxation. (Psychological Science)

    3. Physical Health Benefits: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends regular time outdoors as part of a healthy lifestyle, citing benefits such as improved cardiovascular health, enhanced immune function, and reduced risk of chronic conditions. Even moderate outdoor activity, like walking, provides significant physical health improvements. (WHO Guidelines)

  • In Mel Robbins’ podcast “The Mel Robbins Podcast”, she frequently highlights the positive impact of getting outside, both for mental health and overall well-being. Two specific episodes stand out:

    1. Episode: "The #1 Thing You Can Do for Your Mental Health".

    Mel discusses the powerful role that nature plays in mental health, explaining that a simple walk outside can help reset the brain and reduce stress. She emphasizes how being in a natural setting allows people to break free from daily pressures, stimulating creativity and problem-solving.

    2. Episode: "5 Habits to Make You Happier"

    In this episode, Mel includes spending time outdoors as a crucial habit to increase happiness. She points out that time in nature doesn’t need to be lengthy to be effective—even a few minutes outside can have a noticeable positive impact on mood and mental clarity.

  • Plum Village Monastery, founded by Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh, encourages mindful engagement with nature as part of spiritual practice. The monastery promotes "Walking Meditation" as a way to connect with the Earth, emphasizing that mindful walking outdoors can foster gratitude and awareness of life’s interconnectedness. Plum Village encourages people to:

    • Practice Walking Meditation: Focusing on each step and breathing mindfully while observing the natural surroundings allows individuals to connect with the Earth and find peace.

    • Engage in Nature with Mindfulness: Being present in nature, whether on a short walk or sitting in silence, can help foster a deeper appreciation for the environment and a commitment to protecting it.

    You can explore more about Plum Village's teachings on connecting with nature through mindfulness here.

“There are many reasons to have hope - social change does not require us to wait for a leader or hero to introduce solutions that will save us. It is about each of us acting right now to generate solutions that will save us - losing hope is not an option. Step outside into your own backyard- magic is everywhere.”   - Sunniva Sorby