By: Sofia Bennett
Few modern explorers have made as significant an impact on the field as Richard Wiese. As the president of The Explorers Club, Wiese has worked tirelessly to redefine exploration, expanding its scope beyond adventure into science, conservation, and cultural preservation. Through his leadership and groundbreaking initiatives like the Explorers Club 50 (EC50), he is ensuring that the spirit of discovery remains alive and well in the modern world.
Wiese’s passion for exploration was instilled in him from an early age. Richard Wiese Sr.’s father became the first to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean, setting an early example of boundary-pushing adventure. By the time he was 11 years old, Wiese had already climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, an achievement that solidified his desire to seek out and understand the unknown. However, his vision for exploration has always extended beyond personal conquests.
Under his leadership, the Explorers Club has taken significant steps to promote inclusivity in exploration. No longer limited to traditional adventurers, the field now recognizes individuals from all backgrounds contributing to scientific advancement and cultural understanding. “Exploration today isn’t just about going where no one has gone before,” Wiese explains. “It’s about learning, sharing knowledge, and working together to solve global challenges.”
A significant part of this effort is the EC50, which Wiese helped create to highlight the contributions of trailblazing individuals worldwide. The initiative celebrates scientists, conservationists, and storytellers whose work is making a meaningful impact. “The world doesn’t just need more explorers; it needs more recognized explorers,” Wiese says. By acknowledging their efforts, EC50 ensures that exploration remains a powerful tool for education, conservation, and innovation.
Beyond his institutional efforts, Wiese has also played a key role in bringing exploration to the public through media. His Emmy-winning television series Born to Explore has taken audiences to remote corners of the world, telling stories that emphasize science, culture, and conservation. His ability to blend adventure with education has made exploration more accessible and engaging for a global audience.
The impact of Wiese’s initiatives can be seen in the careers of those who have benefited from his work. “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.”
Wiese believes strongly in the power of collaboration. He has fostered relationships between explorers, researchers, and corporations to ensure that essential projects receive the support they need. “No one explores alone,” he emphasizes. “The best discoveries happen when we work together, share ideas, and lift each other.” He has helped secure funding and resources for cutting-edge research and conservation efforts through partnerships with organizations such as Rolex and Discovery Networks.
Wiese envisions exploration as a vital tool for addressing some of the world’s pressing challenges. From combating climate change to preserving endangered cultures, he sees discovery as a pathway to solutions. “Exploration is about more than just adventure,” he says. “It’s about using knowledge to make a real difference in the world.”
Through his leadership, Richard Wiese ensures that exploration remains a dynamic and impactful field. By fostering inclusivity, embracing technology, and promoting collaboration, he is shaping a future in which exploration is not just about discovery but about progress. Whether through his work at The Explorers Club, his television career, or his advocacy for scientific research, Wiese continues to redefine what it means to be an explorer in the 21st century.
Published by Mark V.
