The Dancing Lights and Shrinking Ice of Denali
In The Dancing Lights and Shrinking Ice of Denali, host Simon Reeve ventures to a breathtaking hideaway in Denali Park, where the northernmost latitude and glaciers create an unforgettable setting. Surrounded by endless wilderness, he experiences the magic of the aurora borealis as it lights up the night sky. While the beauty is awe-inspiring, Simon also highlights a sobering reality: glaciers that once loomed hundreds of feet higher are shrinking, revealing the impact of climate change on the landscape. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The Americas With Simon Reeve, in which Simon Reeve explores the landscapes, cultures, and wildlife of North and South America.
Lesson Express
Q: How might the melting glaciers in Denali affect wildlife and ecosystems in the park?
A: Melting glaciers can lead to rising water levels, altering habitats for species dependent on cold environments. Changes in water sources and temperatures might disrupt migration patterns, food availability, and the balance of ecosystems within the park.
Q: What role does a place like Sheldon’s Chalet play in promoting environmental awareness and appreciation for nature?
A: Sheldon’s Chalet offers visitors a chance to connect with nature in an isolated and pristine environment, fostering a deeper appreciation for wilderness. Experiencing the dramatic effects of climate change firsthand may inspire visitors to advocate for environmental preservation.
Q: In what ways does climate change impact the landscape of Denali National Park, and why is it important to document these changes?
A: Climate change causes glaciers to melt, reducing their size and altering the natural landscape of the park. Documenting these changes raises awareness about environmental challenges and highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect such unique ecosystems.
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In How Climate Change Is Reshaping the Wilderness at Denali, host Simon Reeve and pilot Lea explore how climate change is reshaping one of the most untouched wilderness areas. With breathtaking views of Mount Denali, the tallest peak in North America, and the massive 35-mile-long Ruth Glacier, they uncover the shocking impact of rising temperatures — new lakes forming where glaciers once stood. He also learns the Arctic is heating up almost twice as fast as the rest of the planet because of global warming. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The Americas With Simon Reeve, in which Simon Reeve explores the landscapes, cultures, and wildlife of North and South America.
In The Changing Tide Means No Place to Hide, narrator Sir David Attenborough explores what happens to clams when the tide goes out in southeast Alaska, and how bears can take advantage of low tide. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Blue Planet, a definitive documentary series diving into the mysterious depths of the sea to discover the natural history of the world’s oceans and the rarely seen marine life that reside there.
In The Epic Battle Between Salmon and Bears, narrator Andrew Scott describes how, as autumn arrives in southern Alaska, the landscape transforms along with the weather! Chilly temperatures and storms bring heavy rain, flooding the rivers just in time for one of nature’s greatest events. Millions of Pacific salmon make their epic journey upstream, leaping over waterfalls while hungry grizzly bears wait for their biggest feast of the year. The bears battle for the best spots, catching up to 30 salmon a day to pack on weight for the winter ahead — but for the salmon, it’s a life-or-death challenge to make it home. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Earth’s Great Seasons, which reveals how seasonal changes shape the planet and its wildlife.
In Retreating Ice and Glacial Change, geologist Iain Stewart explains that the Columbia glacier in Alaska is moving quickly; it has retreated almost 9 miles (14 kilometers) since 1980. But this glacier is not the only one that is melting and changing as the planet warms. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Earth: The Power of the Planet, a documentary series in which Dr. Iain Stewart discovers how Earth's forces can shape nature, species, and even the climate.