By: Daniel Carter
Exploration in the 21st century is no longer just about finding uncharted lands. Richard Wiese, the president of The Explorers Club, has redefined what it means to be an explorer. Under his leadership, exploration now encompasses scientific breakthroughs, environmental conservation, and technological advancements that impact the world meaningfully. Through his commitment to innovation and inclusivity, Wiese is helping the next generation of explorers, including voices from all backgrounds, making discovery more accessible.
Wiese’s passion for exploration began early. His father, Richard Wiese Sr., was the first to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean, inspiring him to see adventure as more than a personal pursuit. At 11 years old, Wiese climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, igniting a lifelong curiosity about the natural world. His perspective on exploration goes beyond individual accomplishments, emphasizing its role in expanding knowledge and fostering connections among people.
One of Wiese’s significant contributions has been the creation of the Explorers Club 50 (EC50), an initiative designed to recognize trailblazers who are reshaping the field of exploration. “The world doesn’t just need more explorers; it needs more recognized explorers,” Wiese explains. EC50 highlights individuals making groundbreaking contributions to science, conservation, and cultural preservation, helping their work reach a global audience.
Beyond recognition, Wiese has helped with exploration, which is an inclusive field. Historically, exploration has been associated with a privileged few, but Wiese is actively working to break down those barriers. By supporting underrepresented voices in the field, EC50 transforms how people think about discovery and who becomes an explorer.
In addition to his work with The Explorers Club, Wiese has been involved in media through his television series Born to Explore, which has featured global stories about cultures, research, and environmental issues. “If we want people to care about exploration, we have to make it relatable,” Wiese says. His ability to combine education and adventure has helped change public perceptions about what it means to be an explorer in the modern age.
Photo Courtesy: Richard Wiese
The impact of Wiese’s initiatives can be seen in the lives of those honored by EC50. “Being named an EC50 honoree truly turned my world upside down in a great 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.”
Collaboration is another cornerstone of Wiese’s philosophy. He believes ideal discoveries happen when people from different backgrounds share knowledge and ideas. “No one explores alone,” he says. “The greatest breakthroughs come from collaboration.” His leadership has helped foster relationships between scientists, corporations, and research institutions, helping exploration remains vital in solving real-world problems.
Looking forward, Wiese envisions exploration to address some of the planet’s urgent challenges, from climate change to biodiversity conservation. He sees discovery not as an isolated event but as an ongoing effort to build a better world. “Exploration isn’t just about adventure,” he says. “It’s about applying what we learn to create solutions that benefit everyone.”
Through his leadership, Richard Wiese is shaping the future of exploration by fostering inclusivity, championing innovation, and helping discovery remain a powerful force for progress. Whether through his work at The Explorers Club, his television career, or his advocacy for scientific research, Wiese continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, proving that exploration is not just about where we go—it is about what we learn and how we use that knowledge to improve the world.
Published by Anne C.
