When National Geographic photographer James Balog asked, “How can one take a picture of climate change?” his attention was immediately drawn to ice. Soon he was asked to do a cover story on glaciers that became the most popular and well-read piece in the magazine during the last five years. But for Balog, that story marked the beginning of a much larger and longer-term project that would reach epic proportions.
Cinematography
Time-lapse footage that will haunt your dreams.
Direction
Orlowski turns data into devastating poetry.
Practical Effects
Cameras literally dying to capture the truth.
Director
Jeff Orlowski
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Balog was originally a climate skeptic. The data changed him. The film literally documents a conversion.
The 'Extreme Ice Survey' cameras kept shooting after the film wrapped—some captured the largest calving event ever filmed. HEAVY: This became the 2019 follow-up 'Chasing Coral' team's direct inspiration.
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