Will a billionaire do "a Shackleton"? (Before 2030)
Mini
7
173
2030
14%
chance

Doing "a Shackleton", named after late antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton, is organizing and conducting an expedition for the South pole, using mechanized means, and dying while doing so. Contrast, doing "an Amundsen", which is the same thing, except without mechanized means (using dogs) and without dying.

A billionaire is said to have done "a Shackleton" if:

  • They attempt a ground expedition for the South pole (starting from roughly the outer antarctic shelf, possibly using plane or boat to reach that point, but continuing on the ground)

  • This expedition is mechanized (using principally mechanical vehicle) rather than animal-based (sled dogs, other animal potentially) or purely human locomation (skiing, which would be super impressive but not count for this market)

  • This attempt results in their demise on the continent of Antarctica.

  • Reaching the south pole is good for prestige point, but does not affect positively or negatively the resolution.

Dying after having come back, of infection or otherwise, does not count for a YES resolution. A billionaire status must be verified through a semi-reliable source at least (maybe Forbes or something, I don't foresee a barely 1-billionaire doing this sort of stuff). In case of ambiguity, I reserve the right to discuss in the comments, and possibly resolve N/A.

It was admirable of aristocrats during the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration to experience significant amount of mortal danger purely for prestige. Will our new aristocracy rise up gto their example?

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