First Finnish woman on Everest wants to talk about climate change
Carina Räihä became the First Finnish Woman on Everest in 17th of May. The Embassy of Finland in Kathmandu organized a press conference, where Räihä told about her concern about climate change.
A dozen Nepalese journalists and photographers from leading media houses were keen to know more about Carina Räihä and her two team members: Hugo Searle and Mingmar Sherpa, who served her as a guide and facilitator.
"Last week, at about 7:20 on the morning of May 17th I realized my dream of summiting Mt Everest. It was a beautiful morning, there was no wind, no clouds and the views from the top of the world were incredible. Years of dreaming, planning, exercising and working with my cooperative partners culminated in the proudest moment of my life”, Räihä shared her reflections.
She felt she was joining the ranks of famous Finnish women who have provided leadership, role models and inspiration to the nation. She said she was very proud to follow those pioneering footsteps of President Tarja Halonen and others.
Räihä stated that she always searched for adventures and took new challenges in her life. After turning 40 years she woke up to reality and realized that twenty years of her life had passed by, as she had been busy building a successful career in finance and banking sector. In her words:
‘’The meaning of my life was missing, the heart was somewhere else and the intensive work pace took its toll. Finally I made my decision; I did what I believe many dream of. I quit my job to change the course of my life.’’
Räihä said she hopes to continue inspiring and helping thousands to follow their dreams, reach their goals and change lives.
Furthermore Räihä told that she liked to be adventurous – this was a long dream since her childhood. However this was also an opportunity to work together with the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) on the climate change issues. She had realized the magnitude of the impact of climate change in the Himalayas only after seeing it with her own eyes – that how millions of people’s lives are being affected by the climate change.
Among many others problems with warming weather, melting glaciers and their outbursts are threatening people with floods. Carina Räihä told that this is a message she wants to tell the Finnish media once back in Finland. Thus climbing Mt Everest made her not only to realise her dreams, but also to become a devoted advocate against climate change.