Arne Naess, Famed Norwegian Climber, Philosopher, and Environmentalist, Dies at 96

January 13, 2009

Arne Naess

Stewart’s Climbing Blog on About.com is reporting that famed Norwegian climber, philosopher, and environmentalist Arne Næss has died at 96 years-old. Arne Næss was famous for leading a 1950 expedition that would eventually claim the first ascent of Tirich Mir, a 25,289 ft. peak in Pakistan’s Hindu Kush Mountains. Tirich Mir is the 33rd highest peak in the world. Arne Næss would return to Tirich Mir in 1964 and lay down a new route to add to his first ascent of this rarely climbed peak.

Besides his years of climbing, Arne Næss was probably more noted for his philosophy and environmental viewpoints. He was the founder of ‘Deep Ecology’, a way of thinking that every living thing: plant, animal, and human, has the right to live and prosper in our world. In 1970, Arne Næss would join a group of chained demonstrators (they chained themselves to boulders) who were protesting a proposed dam at Mardalsfossen waterfall. This act would lead to the saving of this wilderness area and stop the forward motion of the dam being erected.

To read more, visit Stewart’s Climbing Blog on About.com.

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