News article
Documentary project highlights importance of the world’s glaciers
Protect Our Winters (POW) has launched a joint science and film project that explores the impact of glacier loss.
The project was launched on December 6 in partnership with Icebreaker and VF Foundation and is called ‘Downstream’.
POW is a non-profit organisation that focuses on environmental issues while the VF Foundation is committed to creating positive societal impact and systems change to advance a more active, equitable and sustainable world. Icebreaker is an outdoor clothing brand headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand.
As well as a documentary film following hydro-ecologist Dr Juliette Becquet’s journey along three glacier-fed rivers – the Rhône (Europe), Snake (North America), and Waitaki (New Zealand) – a scientific white paper has been published and an educational website has been established.
The white paper has detailed a comprehensive look at glacier retreat’s impact on water resources, agriculture and biodiversity. Additionally, an Icebreaker capsule collection has been launched with sustainable clothing inspired by the project’s imagery.
“‘Downstream’ is not just about what happens further down the river, it is also about what happens after us in time, about the world we leave to future generations.”
Glaciers cover roughly 10% of the Earth’s land and store 75% of the world’s freshwater, which is essential to global water resources. Mountain glaciers are not just for outdoor activities, but they support life far beyond their immediate surroundings despite covering just 0.5% of land at lower latitudes.
Glacier-fed rivers nourish ecosystems, sustain thousands of species, transport nutrients and impact marine life.
The importance of these ice giants will be highlighted through the United Nations’ International Year of Glacier Preservation, set for 2025. By 2100, glaciers worldwide are projected to lose between 20% and 52% of their mass, which would affect water availability and biodiversity.
Commenting on the documentary, Dr Becquet said: “‘Downstream’ is not just about what happens further down the river, it is also about what happens after us in time, about the world we leave to future generations.”
Image: Protect Our Winters Europe