Aug 31, 2015

BARACK Obama is to venture into the Alaskan wilderness with British adventurer Bear Grylls for a television programme exploring the impact climate change is having on the environment.

THE US president arrived in the state on Monday and will team up with the television presenter for a crash course in survival techniques during his three-day trip.

The special edition of Running Wild With Bear Grylls will be broadcast later this year, NBC said.


In a statement, the television network said Obama will meet with Grylls while in Alaska to observe the effects of climate change on the area and the two will then come together in the Alaskan Wilderness.


"President Obama will become the first US president to receive a crash course in survival techniques from Bear Grylls. The visit will be taped and aired on NBC later this year."


Located at America's extreme north-western tip, Alaska is known for its icy terrain, mountains and freezing temperatures, which plummet to as low as minus 62C.


Brown and black bears roam the state while polar bears are found along its coast.


During the trip Obama will address a US-sponsored summit on climate change and the Arctic, hike a glacier and meet local fishermen.


Eton-educated Grylls, who has served with the SAS and wrestled sharks and alligators, has taken a string of celebrities, including actors Kate Winslet, Kate Hudson and Channing Tatum, on one-on-one adventures to test their survival skills on the series.