Steve Backshall Retraces Royal Arctic Journey to Expose Climate Change Impact

Adventure Meets Environmental Advocacy

British naturalist and wildlife presenter Steve Backshall has embarked on a compelling new documentary project that combines adventure with urgent environmental messaging. ITV and Fresh Start Media have announced a brand new documentary following adventurer Steve Backshall as he retraces The King’s steps from his 1975 trip to the Canadian Arctic, looking at the impact of climate change fifty years on.

The 90-minute feature-length documentary, titled Steve Backshall’s Royal Arctic Challenge, represents a significant moment in highlighting how dramatically our planet has changed over the past five decades.

Following in Royal Footsteps

The King was sitting in Buckingham Palace with the adventurer and presenter Steve Backshall, who has decided to retrace an expedition made in 1975 by a much younger Charles. During their conversation, King Charles shared his concerns about future generations, stating he doesn’t want to be accused by his grandchildren of not doing enough about climate change.

Steve looks at the accelerating impact of climate change on the Arctic, which is warming three times faster than the rest of the world, and the work being done now to ensure this stunning land – and ultimately the planet itself – has a healthy future. The expedition provides a stark comparison between the frozen landscape Charles witnessed five decades ago and today’s rapidly changing environment.

A Message of Urgency and Hope

The younger generation will have a “ghastly legacy of horror to deal with” unless the world starts to act with serious intent to combat climate change, King Charles has said. This powerful warning underscores the documentary’s timely importance. The programme showcases melting glaciers and environmental transformation, with Backshall standing on ice that scientists predict will disappear within a decade.

Beyond this Arctic challenge, Backshall continues his conservation work across multiple platforms. In September 2025, Backshall received an honorary doctorate from Canterbury Christ Church University for his contribution to the University, the field of naturalism, wildlife media and public life. Steve Backshall’s Royal Arctic Challenge will be broadcast on ITV1 on Thursday 18 December at 8.30pm.

Why This Matters

This documentary arrives at a critical moment when climate action can no longer be delayed. By comparing the same location across 50 years, Backshall provides viewers with undeniable visual evidence of environmental change. For audiences familiar with his acclaimed Deadly 60 series and numerous BBC expeditions, this project represents perhaps his most important work yet—one that connects royal history, adventure storytelling, and urgent environmental advocacy in a uniquely compelling way.