Environmental photographer James BalogHe is best known for his pioneering efforts to document human-induced changes in nature, including the effects of climate change. global glacier meltingCornell’s Earth Day program will host a visit from, to, on April 18-23. Cornell Atkinson Center for SustainabilityThe College Scholar Program.
“I have been on a life-long quest to understand the natural world. Balog, who was a Cornell Fellow, once thought that it was only the nonhuman environment. A.D. White Professor at-Large2020, in the fall. “But eventually I realized that the natural environment and the human environment are only two parts of nature. At least, not in modern times with the enormous impact of technology, human population, and our desire to have material affluence. When we attempt to manage environmental affairs, I realized that the conceptual separation between humans and nature was the main problem. We are actually causing harm to nature, which we mistakenly consider to be ‘out there’.
Balog earned a master’s degree from geomorphology and has spent 40 years using photography to combine art and science while documenting some the most extreme environments on Earth. His Extreme Ice Survey project was a training program for cameras to photograph glaciers in Antarctica and Greenland, Iceland. Alaska, Austria, Austria, and the Rocky Mountains. He took one photo per day, year-round, of these images; the time-lapse videos that he created using these images are amazing. This is a stunning account on how quickly climate change is causing glaciers retreat. His 2018 film “The Human Element” 2020 bookThe same title examines the intersection between humanity and nature. It documents the increasing rate of animal extinctions, catastrophic wildfires and floods, as well as the effects of storms.
Balog was nominated as an A.D. White Professor at-Large (ADWPAL) David LodgeFrancis J. DiSalvo, director of Cornell Atkinson. Michael GoldsteinProfessor of Psychology and director of the College Scholar Program. The ADW-PAL ProgramCornell sponsors outstanding scholars and public intellectuals, and invites them to campus to interact in multiple forums with Cornell and the wider community.
Goldstein stated that Balog’s work and the public reaction are evidence of science communicating effectively through art.
“The existential climate crisis of climate change cannot be easily understood by our human perceptual system. The pictorial record is crucial for understanding,” Goldstein stated. “Jim knew this and realized he could create a photographic archive through which people could not ignore the evidence of his own eyes. You are forced to see the reality that you are surrounded by his images.
Balog will visit Tompkins County to meet with students and faculty. He will also participate in a variety of community-based events at Tompkins County middle school and high schools, Ithaca Sciencenter, the Museum of the Earth and Ithaca’s Sciencenter. David M. Einhorn Center for Community EngagementThe Discovery Trail.Balog hosts a Public screeningThe Human Element, his documentary film, will be shown at Cinemapolis in downtown Ithaca on Thursday April 21st, at 7:00 PM. He will also join an expert discussionPRI/Museum of the Earth, Friday, April 22nd, 7:00 PM.
Beth Pallace, executive Director of the Discovery Trail, stated that the extensive community engagement planned for Balog’s visit was a prime example Cornell channeling its resources towards supporting the broader community as well as schools.
“School-based visits are what make a difference to learners, especially when you consider the severity of the climate crisis we are currently facing. Pallace stated that young people are innovators and that it was a pleasure to introduce local students Mr. Balog’s work to them.
More information about Balog’s visit is available Here.
Krisy Gashler writes for the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability.
