Plot Summary
A journey to the stunning Alps in 2017 dramatically altered the perspective of renowned filmmaker Craig Leeson. After witnessing the heartbreaking fatalities of mountaineers caught in an avalanche, Craig becomes acutely aware of how climate change is reshaping these majestic mountains, rendering them warmer and far more perilous. This grim reality is reflected in similar stories globally. The Last Glaciers chronicles Craig’s three-year expedition into understanding climate change, fueled by the enlightening yet alarming science of ice cores. His transformation from a skeptic to a staunch advocate drives him to elevate awareness about the critical issues affecting billions.
Joining Craig on this ambitious project are extreme sports enthusiasts Dave Turner and Malcolm Wood, who equip him with the vital skills to conquer his vertigo and traverse glacial ranges. Their diverse backgrounds, marked by para-alpinism and alpine climbing, either make them an exemplary team or a combination ripe for calamity. Complicating the dynamics is a journalist, who finds the high-altitude escapades daunting, further intensifying the breathtaking challenges faced by this trio on their path to discovery.
Throughout this riveting quest, each expedition takes Craig to profoundly affected locations, from burnt homes of communities grappling with climate change to the epicenters of global efforts in problem-solving. He connects with the youth of the world, many of whom, fueled by frustration at the political inertia on climate issues, have taken to the streets in protest. Craig also engages with climate scientists, unearthing the alarming findings of their worldwide studies while witnessing firsthand the destabilization of iconic peaks across the globe.
The documentary provides a lens into the work of esteemed scientists, ranging from NASA to France’s Ice Memory Project, and to the initiatives carried out by INAIGEM in Peru. It uncovers how ice, particularly glaciers, narrates the tale of historical climate shifts and illustrates humanity’s impact on our planet’s health.
This film serves as a long-awaited wake-up call, addressing climate change in an unprecedented manner. It embarks on a transformative journey, bringing to life the exhilarating world of extreme sports while elucidating the reality of our planet’s melting ice. It sheds light on entire communities facing unpredictable futures, detailing how the interconnectedness of earth, water, and our wavering climate poses severe risks to ecosystems, agriculture, water systems, infrastructure, and human health. The message is stark yet clear: the vital systems we depend on for our daily existence are beginning to falter.
This is heralded as the first feature documentary crew to join NASA on the Operation IceBridge research mission, soaring over Antarctica. Supported by some of the globe’s most revered scientific institutions, including NASA, INAIGEM, ICIMOD, Arctic Basecamp, GLACIOCLIM, and Climate Outreach.
“DISCOVERING FIRSTHAND AND DOCUMENTING CINEMATICALLY FOR THE FIRST TIME ONE OF THE BIGGEST CATASTROPHIC FALL-OUT OF CLIMATE CHANGE THAT IS ALREADY AFFECTING ALMOST 2 BILLION PEOPLE IN THE HIMALAYAN WATERSHED…”
Timeline
Craig's 2017 Expedition to the Alps
In 2017, renowned filmmaker Craig Leeson embarks on a journey to the stunning Alps. This trip marks the beginning of his transformation as he witnesses the fatal consequences of an avalanche that claims the lives of mountaineers, prompting a profound awareness of climate change.
Awakening to Climate Change
After witnessing the tragedy, Craig becomes acutely aware of how climate change is affecting the majestic mountains. He realizes that the warming climate renders these peaks far more perilous than before.
The Three-Year Expedition
The film, *The Last Glaciers*, chronicles Craig's three-year expedition aimed at understanding climate change. He is fueled by both enlightening and alarming scientific research regarding ice cores that represent historical climate shifts.
Building a Team
Craig is joined by extreme sports enthusiasts Dave Turner and Malcolm Wood. Their expertise in para-alpinism and alpine climbing provides Craig with the skills needed to confront his vertigo and traverse challenging glacial terrain.
A Daunting Journey
The dynamics of the expedition are complicated by the inclusion of a journalist. This person finds the high-altitude challenges daunting, intensifying the breathtaking experiences faced by Craig and his team.
Connecting with Affected Communities
As they journey forward, Craig visits communities grappling with the tangible impacts of climate change. He documents the burnt homes and struggles faced by these people, illustrating the human cost of environmental degradation.
Youth Protests for Climate Action
Throughout his travels, Craig connects with the youth who are increasingly frustrated by political inaction on climate issues. Many have taken to the streets in protests, illustrating a growing movement for climate advocacy.
Engaging with Climate Scientists
Craig engages in conversations with leading climate scientists, uncovering alarming findings from their global studies. These discussions highlight the urgent realities of climate change as they share research on the destabilization of iconic peaks.
Investigating Ice and Glaciers
The documentary delves into the work of esteemed scientific institutions such as NASA and the Ice Memory Project in France. Craig learns how ice, especially glaciers, narrates the story of climate change over time and humanity's impact on Earth.
Operation IceBridge Partnership
This documentary marks a historic moment as the first feature crew to join NASA on their Operation IceBridge mission. They soar over Antarctica, collecting vital data to illustrate climate change effects on polar ice.
Global Impact of Climate Change
Throughout the film, Craig sheds light on entire communities facing uncertain futures due to climate change. He emphasizes how the interconnectedness of earth, water, and climate instability poses serious risks to ecosystems and human health.
Wake-Up Call on Climate Issues
The documentary serves as a wake-up call regarding the pressing climate crisis. It compellingly articulates that the vital systems people depend on for daily life are beginning to falter, urging immediate global action.
Personal Transformation
Over the course of the expedition, Craig transforms from a skeptical observer into a passionate advocate for climate change awareness. His journey of discovery ignites a sense of responsibility for the future of the planet.
Characters
Craig Leeson
Craig is a renowned filmmaker who transitions from a climate change skeptic to a passionate advocate. His experiences witnessing the devastating effects of climate change inspire him to undertake an ambitious expedition to raise awareness. With a strong emotional drive, Craig's character showcases resilience and the importance of storytelling in driving change.
Dave Turner
An extreme sports enthusiast, Dave brings vital skills to the team, aiding Craig in overcoming challenges related to vertigo and alpine environments. His adventurous spirit and expertise in para-alpinism make him an essential ally in the quest. Dave exemplifies the thrill and peril of exploring nature while advocating for respect toward the environment.
Malcolm Wood
Malcolm is another extreme sports enthusiast who supports Craig's journey with his alpine climbing experience. His bravery and dedication to the cause illustrate the fusion of adventure and advocacy. Malcolm's character embodies the spirit of exploration while addressing urgent environmental issues.
Setting
Time period
2017
The film captures the year 2017, a pivotal time when awareness of climate change reached new heights. It reflects a growing urgency as scientists and activists began to document the alarming changes in glacial formations and the repercussions of this phenomenon on global populations. This period marked increased activism among youth concerned about environmental issues, signaling a shift toward greater public engagement.
Location
Alps, Antarctica, Peru, Himalayan Watershed
The Alps, known for their breathtaking beauty and towering peaks, serve as a central location for exploring the impacts of climate change. Antarctica is highlighted as an epicenter of research, where the first documentary crew collaborated with NASA to understand glacial melt. Additionally, Peru's initiatives with INAIGEM emphasize international efforts in combating climate change, while the Himalayan Watershed illustrates the far-reaching effects of these environmental shifts on communities.
Themes
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Climate Change
The film poignantly addresses the dangers of climate change, focusing on its impact on glaciers and mountain ecosystems. Through personal stories and scientific insights, it highlights the urgent need for awareness and action. The transformation of Craig from a skeptic to an advocate underscores the emotional weight of the climate crisis.
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Adventure
The quest into extreme sports serves as a thrilling backdrop that emphasizes the human connection to nature. The challenges of mountaineering and glacial exploration reflect the tenacity and spirit needed to confront global issues. Adventure becomes a vehicle for discovery, as the protagonists face not just physical obstacles but also the weight of environmental responsibility.
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Scientific Discovery
The exploration of ice cores and the work of scientists from prestigious institutions illuminate the relationship between climate data and tangible impacts on communities. The film showcases the essential role of scientific research in understanding climate dynamics. Engaging with scientists, Craig’s journey demonstrates how knowledge can inspire activism and action.
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