Bayer Climate Program

January 12, 2009

Record-holding Explorer Speaks at Bayer in the UK

First-Hand Account of the Impact of Climate Change on the Arctic

Dr. Manfred Marsmann, Head of Corporate Environmental Affairs at Bayer AG, Hannah McKeand, and Martin Dawkins, CEO of Bayer UK/Ireland (f. l.).

Newbury. Coordinated efforts are needed to address the damage being caused by global warming to the polar landscape: that was the message recently delivered by renowned polar explorer Hannah McKeand, who had been invited by Bayer in the UK to address employees and local business leaders. McKeand, who holds the record for skiing to the South Pole solo, talked about her travels to both the North and South Poles.

“Temperatures in the Arctic have risen by 2.5 degrees over the past 100 years, which has a striking visual effect on our melting icecaps not to mention the evocative symbol of the Arctic – the Polar bear” said McKeand. Following her speech, Martin Dawkins, CEO of Bayer UK/Ireland, spoke of the importance of common actions: “The onus is on all of us – individually and as a company – to address this challenge. We all have a moral duty to make improvements for future generations.”

In his subsequent address, Dr. Manfred Marsmann, Head of corporate environmental affairs at Bayer AG, outlined the company’s group-wide Climate Program, and explained Bayer’s commitment to the issue: “McKeand’s experience provides a striking reminder of the need for action to counter the effects of climate change. Bayer is pleased to be at the forefront with its climate change program and will continue to develop solutions to help us deal with the challenges the future will bring.”