Svalbard is an archipelago high within the Arctic Circle. The largest of its islands is called Spitsbergen, meaning “pointed mountains.” In 1920 a treaty known as the Svalbard Act was signed by several nations recognising Norwegian sovereignty over the islands, and declaring the whole region a demilitarized zone.

This is a short film about how Svalbard, over the course of recent history, became increasingly linked to developments in climate science, and climate change. Much of the footage was shot whilst on residency in the Arctic Circle in 2010.

It is brief for a subject so large, and lacks the detail of key facts and figures that would provide a much better understanding of the current consensus on climate. Then again, you may perhaps feel it has too many numbers already. It is my hope that regardless of what you make of the content, you will find it beautiful to watch.