Climate change Archives

Documentary Film

Florian Ledoux’s Aerial Arctic: A Fragile World From Above

February 5, 2026 Documentary Film

Most of us know the Arctic from maps and news reports — a region defined by statistics of loss, measured in kilometers of retreating ice and degrees of warming temperature. Florian Ledoux wants to show us something different. From above, through the lens of a drone and a lifetime of polar experience, he reveals an Arctic that is breathtaking, complex, and very much alive.

Ledoux, a French photographer and filmmaker based in Norway, has spent years working in polar regions, and his aerial photography represents a genuine evolution in how we see these landscapes. By removing the human vantage point — by lifting the camera away from the ice and looking down — he reveals patterns and relationships that are invisible from ground level: the mosaic geometry of fractured sea ice, the dense clustering of a walrus colony, the silver thread of a river winding through tundra.

The wildlife he captures from above — polar bears, narwhals, beluga whales, Arctic foxes — appears both small and monumental in these images. Small, because the landscapes that dwarf them are vast beyond comprehension. Monumental, because their presence in such an extreme environment is itself an act of extraordinary biological achievement. Every animal in these photographs represents millions of years of evolutionary adaptation to one of the most demanding environments on Earth.

There is an ethical dimension to aerial wildlife photography that Ledoux takes seriously. His drone work is conducted at distances and altitudes calculated not to disturb the animals he documents — a practice that requires deep knowledge of each species’ behavior and sensitivity. The resulting images feel like observation rather than intrusion, gifts rather than extractions.

We are sharing this work now because it feels more urgent than ever. The Arctic is changing faster than almost anywhere else on Earth, and Ledoux’s photographs are not just beautiful — they are documents of a world in transformation, records of something we owe it to future generations to understand and protect.

Florian Ledoux aerial photography - polar bear walking on fractured sea ice

Arctic aerial view by Florian Ledoux - massive walrus colony on ice floe

Aerial Arctic landscape photography showing fractured sea ice patterns

Florian Ledoux drone photography - narwhal pod surfacing in Arctic waters

Arctic wildlife aerial view - ringed seals resting on melting ice

Florian Ledoux aerial photo - Arctic fox crossing vast tundra

Aerial photography of Arctic landscape showing ice and open water

Florian Ledoux - beluga whales swimming in Arctic bay from above

Aerial Arctic photography revealing impact of climate change on sea ice

You might also like: Fly Through One of the World’s Largest Waterfalls • Supernatural Soaring Dog Images by Jess Bell • Meet Iridogorgia chewbacca: The Wookiee of the Deep Sea

More to explore on Pick the Window Seat: Traveling to Greenland: A Complete Guide · Awe-Inspiring Nature to See in Antarctica · An Epic Road Trip Through Canada · Night Sky, Milky Way & Aurora Travel Photography

Culture

Destroying Nature is Destroying Life, For Everyone

February 4, 2025 Culture

We are at war with nature, and we are losing. Forests that once stood as the planet’s lungs are felled for profit. Oceans, cradles of life for billions of years, are choked with plastic and poison.

The air, once crisp and clear, is thick with pollutants that sicken our lungs. In pursuit of profit and progress, we are unraveling the very systems that sustain us.

The truth is inescapable: when we destroy nature, we destroy ourselves.

This isn’t a distant crisis. It’s not just about melting ice caps or endangered species. It’s about the air you breathe, the food you eat, the water you drink. Environmental degradation fuels climate disasters, collapses food systems, and spreads new diseases. Yet, we act as if we are separate from the web of life.

Nature does not negotiate. It doesn’t care about stock markets, GDP, or rhetoric. When ecosystems collapse, they take livelihoods, economies, and civilizations with them. No technology or wealth can fully replace the free services nature provides—oxygen, fresh water, pollination, biodiversity, climate regulation. These are the foundations of life.

The good news? We still have a choice. Conservation is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Restoring forests, protecting oceans, embracing sustainable agriculture, and shifting from fossil fuels aren’t just noble causes; they are survival strategies. Every action and policy prioritizing nature’s well-being invests in our future.

Destroying nature is not just an environmental issue—it is a human crisis. If we don’t change course now, we will all pay the price.

Below is a powerful campaign “Destroying Nature is Destroying Life” by German environmental group Robin Wood. Make sure to see the details of these horrifying 3D renders, as they show our destruction of the beautiful natural world.

We at Moss and Fog are unequivocally pro-nature, pro-environment, and always have been.

Culture

It’s Snowed in All 50 US States This Year Already

January 25, 2025 Culture

Rarely does it snow in all fifty US states, but this year is already proving to be exceptional.

After a large belt of arctic air blasted the United States this past week, records were broken, including snowfall in places that almost never receive snow.

From parts of Florida to New Orleans, states that rarely if ever see snow have gotten surprise blankets of it this season.

Even Hawaii’s Big Island, at elevation, has seen snowfall this year.

Such a phenomenon is incredibly rare, requiring a perfect blend of unusual weather patterns. Arctic air pushed farther south than usual, blanketing areas unaccustomed to winter weather.

The last time it snowed in all fifty US states was in 2010.

For many, the event has been a source of wonder, with snowball fights in places that usually see sunshine year-round.

It’s also been a challenge, as states unprepared for icy conditions scramble to manage the unexpected weather.

Art

The Beauty of Ice Caves

January 15, 2025 Art

Photographer Matěj Kříž goes deep into ice caves to find magical shots that tell the story of water, ice, movement, and season. Exploring Iceland’s ice caves, he finds exquisite form and color, subtle ways in which light plays with the complexity of ice, producing deep, rich images that are one of a kind. As the ice melts and disappears, those vantage points will never again be quite the same. Via My Modern Met:

India

India’s Capital Delhi Reaches a Scorching 126 Degrees Fahrenheit (52.3 C)

May 30, 2024 India

This week, New Delhi experienced unprecedented heat, with temperatures reaching a record-breaking, scorching 126 Degrees Fahrenheit, or 52.3 degrees Celsius. The intense heatwave has severely impacted daily life, leading to public health emergencies and straining the city’s infrastructure.

Stepping into the heat apparently felt like walking into a sauna or an oven.

Hospitals have reported an increase in heat-related illnesses, and authorities have issued severe heatwave alerts, advising residents to stay indoors and stay hydrated. This extreme weather is part of a broader trend of rising global temperatures, which scientists directly attribute to human-induced climate change.

Many citizens in New Delhi don’t have access to consistent electricity, let alone air conditioning, making this extreme heat all the more dangerous and unbearable.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that this year will be one of the hottest on record, underscoring the urgency of addressing climate change. Indeed, many states in India have had temperatures over 110 degrees F (43.3 C) for weeks on end.

Below are a number of photos showing people dealing with the extreme heat. Via NY Times.

Photos via Arun Sankar/AFP/Getty Images/Anupam Nath/AP/CNN

“New Delhi recorded its highest temperature ever measured on Wednesday — 126 degrees Fahrenheit, or 52.3 degrees Celsius — leaving residents of the Indian capital sweltering in a heat wave that has kept temperatures in several Indian states well above 110 degrees for weeks.

In New Delhi, where walking out of the house felt like walking into an oven, officials feared that the electricity grid was being overwhelmed and that the city’s water supply might need rationing.”

Home & Living

5 Small Switches You Can Make to be More Eco-Friendly

November 11, 2023 Home & Living

When it comes to climate change, it can be hard to know where to start with tackling what is a significantly large problem. It can sometimes feel like we’re chipping away at a huge issue with a teaspoon, but by making some small switches we can encourage ourselves and others to change our mindset and work towards change.

Here, we look at five that you can start to work on today.

1. Think about your appliances

Most modern homes will contain a variety of appliances, from vacuum cleaners to computers. Therefore, it’s vital that you choose sustainable appliances that save energy where possible.

For example, when choosing a vacuum cleaner , there are several key features that you can look for, including a low power motor, lifetime filter, bagless design and a corded model, rather than cordless. Also take a look at the ethics of the company making the appliance – what are their eco-credentials like? If you have a choice between several models, voting with your money in this way can help improve the sustainability of the supply chain.

2. Only buy what you need

From clothes to items for your home, practising an element of minimalism can be really beneficial for the planet. Whilst no one is suggesting you live with a five item capsule wardrobe, choosing to repair items rather than throwing them away and only buying items that you’ll get good use out of can be a good way to reduce your carbon footprint. Make an assessment before you buy, rather than impulse buying.

3. Avoid disposable items

Always choose quality over quantity. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines disposable items (they call them nondurable goods) as products with a lifetime of less than three years, and reported that there was 50.4 million tons of this waste generated in 2018.

To combat this, try and buy products that will last the test of time, and get them repaired when they break, rather than just buying replacements.

4. Turn off the electrics that you’re not using

This is a really simple step that you can take and you should encourage everyone in your household to do the same thing. This goes further than just turning off the lights when you leave a room, although this is a great start. Make sure to turn off TVs, printers and microwaves when you’re not using them in order to maximise energy saving.

Devices such as these continue to use small amounts of electricity to keep them in standby mode. Researchers at Harvard University found that this so-called ‘vampire power’ accounts for 5-10% of electricity in residential homes, and 1% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. Needless to say, making a concentrated effort to turn off these devices can really make a difference.

5. Reduce your food waste

Not only will this save you money, but only buying the food you need reduces the energy used by the food supply chain, the amount of air miles generated by food companies, and the energy used to get rid of the wasted food. Get into the habit of creating a meal plan to help with your shopping, and don’t cook more food than you know that you will eat.

Bonus Tip: Go Refurbished for Eco-Friendly Electronics

Consider opting for refurbished electronics like computers. These devices are restored to working condition, extending their lifespan and reducing electronic waste. Plus, they often come at a lower cost than new ones, making it a budget-friendly and eco-conscious choice that’s good for both your wallet and the planet.

Nature

Waters Around Florida Are So Hot, Scientists Are Removing Coral to Save Them

August 1, 2023 Nature

With the recent, massive heatwaves around the northern hemisphere, there’s more than just human suffering when the temperatures get that hot.

In southern Florida, the ocean temperatures have reached a shocking 101º F (38.3 C) or higher, the highest recorded. In addition to feeling like a hot tub on a hot day, the extreme ocean temperatures are wreaking havoc on coral reefs, with many of them experiencing rapid bleaching.

This bleaching often leads to coral deaths, which imparts even more harm on ocean environments, home to thousands of species of fish and marine life.

As ocean water temps reached record highs this July, scientists took the dramatic step of taking coral samples out of the ocean, in order to keep them in a temperature-controlled environment. The Coral Restoration Foundation is one of the key organizations leading the effort to rescue coral before bleaching kills them forever.

Reef Institute workers in West Palm Beach, Fla., organized corals in a quarantine tank.

This recent heatwave’s longterm effects on the ocean in Florida are too recent to calculate, but we know for sure it’s not good for the planet, and the extreme ocean temperatures may do more harm to other species beyond just coral and reef fish.

Bailey Thomasson, who works for the Coral Restoration Foundation, after a dive Friday. “It just felt like, ‘Oh my God, we’re in the apocalypse,’” she said.

Architecture

6 Ways in Which Your Can Improve Your Home and Prepare for the Effects of Climate Change

January 16, 2023 Architecture

Climate change is a real and pressing issue, and it’s important to take steps to prepare our homes for its effects. Here are six items you can add to your home or improve in your home to prepare for climate change:

1. Solar Panels: One of the best ways to prepare for climate change is to invest in solar panels. Solar panels allow you to generate your own electricity, which can help reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your energy bills. Additionally, as the effects of climate change continue to worsen, solar panels will become an increasingly important source of power as extreme weather events disrupt traditional power sources.

2. Rainwater Collection System: As climate change causes more extreme weather events, it’s important to be prepared for droughts and floods. A rainwater collection system allows you to collect and store rainwater, which can be used for irrigation, flushing toilets, and even washing clothes. This can help you save money on your water bill and reduce your dependence on municipal water sources.

3. Green Roofs: Green roofs are an innovative way to prepare for climate change. They consist of a layer of plants grown on top of a roof, which help to insulate the building and reduce the heat island effect. This can help reduce energy costs and make your home more comfortable during hot summer days. Additionally, green roofs can also help to reduce stormwater runoff, which can be a problem during heavy rains.

4. Flood Vents: Flood vents are an essential addition to any home, especially those located in areas prone to flooding. Flood vents are designed to allow water to flow freely underneath the house without causing structural damage or creating a dangerous environment. Installing these vents not only helps protect your home against flood waters, but they can also add a decorative touch with their stylish and modern look. The experts from Bradley Building Products recommend adding a few flood vents to the exterior of your home so that you can be sure that it’s protected in any situation. They look fantastic in addition to being useful.

5. Insulation: Insulation is an important part of preparing your home for climate change. As extreme weather events become more common, it’s important to have a well-insulated home to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Additionally, insulation can help reduce your energy bills, which can be a financial burden during times of extreme weather.

6. Smart Home Technology: Smart home technology can also be an important tool in preparing for climate change. With smart home technology, you can monitor and control your energy usage, which can help you save money on your energy bills. Additionally, many smart home devices can help you monitor the weather and alert you to potential weather events, so you can take steps to protect your home.

Overall, by investing in solar panels, rainwater collection systems, green roofs, insulation, flood vents and smart home technology, you can help protect your home from the effects of climate change and reduce your carbon footprint. Additionally, these items will help you save money on energy bills and make your home more comfortable, even during extreme weather events.

Art

Congolese Performers Create Powerful Costumes of Trash to Convey Political Messages

July 6, 2022 Art

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of the most resource-rich countries in the world, yet citizens of this impoverished nation often don’t feel that way. Indeed, Congo has become a dumping ground for many parts of the world, with neglected electronics, cars, and trash being sent to the country, where some materials are scavenged, and most scrapped.

A group of street performers in Kinshasa called Ndaku Ya La Vie Est Belle have taken some of this trash, and made dramatic costumes that either are metaphors for their own struggles, or representation of their broken lives.

perfomer-6-27_sq-25554939888aba055ee750fecea269a70ba5a1e8

The costumes are scavenged from used materials of all sorts, from scrap metal to tires to flip flops, all made into full-body costumes that feel both scary and strangely funny.

The images are memorable and powerful. Learn more via Guardian.

“Dolls found in rubbish dumps, radio parts and discarded flip-flops are among items used to create surreal costumes by a Kinshasa collective highlighting political and environmental issues”

-Guardian

Photography by Kris Pannecoucke

Art

Giant Footprint on the Greek Coastline is a Metaphor for Our Impact on the Land

June 21, 2022 Art

This enormous, 1000-square meter land art project puts a massive footprint on the land off the coast of Greece.

The imprint, made to look like a boot’s treads, Footprint was created by Greek artist The Krank, and is a metaphor for human impact on the world, and the consequences of our actions.

The simple yet powerful work was part of the 2022 Paxos Biennale, and creates a lasting memory, long after the footprint itself fades out of existence.

Photos © Themis Boikos. Via DesignBoom:

‘Conceptually, ‘Footprint’ deals with the meaning of loss. Nature, ecosystems, and biodiversity are all in a variable state with a negative sign. The parallelism that emerges through the impermanence of my work, and our presence as a species, reinforces the message I wanted to communicate. Everything is fluid, and nothing should be taken for granted,’

View this post on Instagram

Product Design

Our Gas Stoves are Killing the Planet

February 2, 2022 Product Design

A gas stove is much better than an electric one, right? When it comes to the health of our homes and the planet, the answer is actual a big no.

It’s been known for a number of years that gas stoves cause indoor pollutants that can increase risk of asthma and other respiratory diseases. But newer research points to the potent greenhouse gas methane, and the way these stoves leak methane into the air whether the stove is in use or not.

For years there have been unknown causes for the urban methane emissions, but scientists couldn’t account for where they had been coming from. Leaks couldn’t account for the amount of emissions they recorded.

Now studies have been shown to reveal the amount that gas stovetops leak methane, no matter if the burners are lit or not. It’s exceedingly frustrating as a consumer, especially since gas stoves are usually preferred by those who love to do a lot of cooking.

Sadly, it’s not the only pollutant that these stoves emit.

“The gas stove is responsible for methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxides in the kitchen”

Via Vox:

Basically all stoves “leak a bit when they’re burning,” Jackson said. “And they all leak a bit when you turn them on and off, because there’s a period of time before the flame kicks in. The most surprising was almost three-quarters of the methane that we found emitting from the stoves came from when they weren’t running.”

So what is to be done? For one, manufacturers need to create better gas burners, ones that don’t leak.

The other option is to move to electric cooktops. The newest and most well regarded of these are Induction stoves, which utilize electromagnets to rapidly heat and cook. Indeed, they’re known for their super-fast water boiling, precise temperature control, and the fact that they’re cool to the touch, even when on.

Here are a list of great induction ranges.

Art

Wrap Yourself in Warm, Stylish, Yet Scary Climate Data

January 21, 2022 Art

Climate change data hasn’t been seen like this before, we’re pretty confident.

Indeed, being able to physically wrap yourself up in climate data and models is a new one for us. But it’s clever and beautiful, if the data in question is indeed dire.

A project called Temperature Textiles, the collection of blankets, scarves, throws and socks bring attention to climate change and rising global temperatures, with data knit into the patterns themselves.

Created by The Netherlands-based studio Raw Color, the textiles are a real conversation starter, and a unique way to bring attention to such a serious issue.

Via Colossal:

“In each design, the duo translates data from the IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, or IPCC, into colorful, line graphics that represent four possible outcomes for the world through the year 2100.”

By 2070, under a high emissions scenario, unbearable temperatures could expand to affect up to 3 billion people.

The 20 warmest years have been recorded in the past 22 years.

Animals

Brutal and Powerful Campaign Declares Destroying Nature is Destroying Life

October 14, 2021 Animals

This ad campaign has haunted us, in a way. It’s imagery so powerful and memorable, that we had to revisit it.

A gorgeous and powerful campaign for environmental group Robin Wood features brilliantly rendered scenes of habitat destruction, superimposed in the form of the creatures they’re hurting. The agency Grabarz & Partner created the posters using painstakingly rendered 3D forms, and adding in details like oil rigs, fires, and industrial machinery. Their tagline: Destroying nature is destroying life. The result is a painfully effective look at what happens to the natural world when humans act with indifference and greed toward nature. Beautiful and sad work, Via Behance:

Nature

California’s Caldor Fire Threatens Lake Tahoe

August 26, 2021 Nature

Lake Tahoe’s famed blue waters are tragically shrouded in thick grey smoke from the nearby Caldor fire. The wildfires this year have destroyed a record number of acres of forests, and have come perilously close to many communities.

Now with fires within thirty miles of the lake itself, residents and visitors alike claim that smoke has never been as bad as it is now. Indeed, the AQI, or Air Quality Index for the area reached a record 530, which is over 40 times more harmful than the World Health Organization deems ‘unhealthy’, and ranked among the worst air quality in the world.

Grimly, the hazardous conditions didn’t stop some people from carrying on as usual, like going golfing and visiting the neighboring casinos.

Here’s hoping the terrible conditions this year will spur more action to combat climate change and keep these wildfires from being business as usual.

Photos via AP:

Art

Maya Lin’s Ghost Forest in Manhattan Brings Climate Change Front and Center

August 24, 2021 Art

Famed sculptor and designer Maya Lin has a powerful new installation entitled “Ghost Forest“. Located in the heart of Manhattan, the forest consists of 49 large, dying cedar trees, erected just like a natural forest might be. However, the dying trees symbolize the very real devastation that is impacting our woods and forests around the world.

Sourced from New Jersey’s Pine Barrens, the Atlantic white cedars were destined for removal, due to climate change’s impact on the surrounding areas.

Installed through winter 2021, the dying cedars will begin changing color as their life slowly seeps away, turning a ghostly grey.

When the installation concludes, the trees will be turned into furniture and mulch. Impactful, sad, and hoping to spur action, it’s another impressive project from Lin.

Via Design Milk:

“Climate change is threatening forests around the world and creating mass die-offs of once vibrant woodlands. They are referred to as ghost forests and this phenomena is becoming much more frequent as the climate changes more rapidly. The trees in Ghost Forest were suffering from of salt water infiltration and were being cleared as part of regeneration efforts in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey, an extremely vulnerable site of the Atlantic coastal pine barrens ecosystem which encompasses more than one million acres.”

“Ghost Forest is a haunting symbol of the devastation of climate change.”

Nature

Lake Powell Levels Reaching So Low

July 19, 2021 Nature

Low water levels in the American Southwest are reaching such critical lows, that officials are having to release emergency reservoirs to keep water levels high enough to power the massive hydroelectric dams that keep much of the population’s lights on.

Lake Powell is a manmade reservoir that is part of the Colorado River system, and for decades has served as a critical part of the area’s power generating water storage.

Due to climate change, droughts have caused the lake to reach historic lows, and now levels have dropped so far that there’s barely enough left to keep the dams operational.

Below are a collection of photos showcasing just how dramatic the drop has been. What used to be giant boat ramps are now dry slabs of concrete on the bare land.

Via Earther: