07.11.05 - 'TODAY' goes to Greenland and the Ends of the Earth

In an Unprecedented Event "Today" Anchors Will Travel To the Top, Bottom and Middle of the World. The Trip Marks the First Time in History Anyone Has Communicated Live Simultaneously From the Arctic, the Antarctic and the Equator. The Adventure Begins November 5, As Part of NBC Universal's "Green Is Universal" Initiative.

NEW YORK - November 1, 2007 - In an historic broadcast first, NBC News' "Today" is taking an unprecedented look at our home, Planet Earth.  "Today" anchors will be dispatched - literally - to the ends of the earth to explore the extraordinary diversity of life on this planet - the climate extremes, the wildlife, and the limits of human exploration.  This trip will culminate in the first live simultaneous broadcast in history from the top and bottom of the globe. The adventure, which is part of NBC Universal's "Green Is Universal" initiative, begins Monday, November 5, and will continue through Friday, November 9. 

For these extreme journeys, "Today" will offset its carbon footprint in mileage and fuel. The total mileage traveled, which will equal over 500,000 miles, includes any surveys done for the trips as well as the actual trips.  

Matt Lauer reporting from Ilulissat's Hotel Arctic with the Icefjord in the background

Never before has a television network linked locations live around the entire circumference of the planet in a single groundbreaking program. "Today" anchors will embark on a grueling trek to extreme destinations: Matt Lauer will travel to the very top of the globe, the Arctic, and broadcast from remote locations on the Greenland ice sheet; Ann Curry will travel to the very bottom of the globe, Antarctica, and broadcast from extreme locations including the McMurdo Research Station located at the southern end of "The Ice".

Al Roker will travel to the Equator and broadcast from the middle of an endangered cloud forest in Mindo, Ecuador, 7,000 feet above sea level; Meredith Vieira will connect the global dots from "Today's" home base in New York where she will take a look at how the global issues at these unique locations are affecting people across the United States. Vieira will also interview former Vice President Al Gore Monday, November 5, in his first interview since winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

Matt, Ann and Al will broadcast live from their destinations Monday, November 5 and Tuesday, November 6, and "Today" will also document their expeditions, which could take up to three days travel time.  Throughout the entire week, Meredith will take an in-depth and comprehensive look at the health of the global ecosystem.  Where is life thriving?  Where is it challenged by climate change?  How are modern human explorers advancing our understanding of regions previously shrouded in mystery?

The "Today" trip to the Ends of the Earth is part of the NBC Universal initiative, "Green is Universal" - a companywide, weeklong programming effort beginning November 4.  Through its worldwide programming, specials and consumer-focused events, "Green is Universal" will focus the entire company's resources and efforts toward educating viewers, web and wireless users, and the company's employees on ecological issues and our impact on the environment. 

Read more about the town of Ilulissat and it's unique Icefjord.