I co-shot this piece – a project produced by fellow friend, filmmaker, shooter, and producer, Jim Tharp.  A synopsis from Jim:

[Cascading Effects examines] the sublime landscapes of North Cascades, Mount Rainier, and Olympic National Parks, researchers shed light on emerging indications that climate change is real and predict how warming temperatures will affect the natural resources and timeless beauty of the region.

We began shooting in the North Cascades in June of ‘08 – and, ironically, it was snowing relentlessly… not necessarily ideal for outdoor summer interviews intended to illuminate global warming.  However, that ultimately addressed the notion that the climate is indeed changing despite the occasional cold snap (or cold year or decade)… and that things aren’t as simple as “it’s going to be a few degrees hotter in the future.”

The project was funded in part by the US National Parks Service and edited by fellow producer, filmmaker and editor, Scott Wiessinger.

Watch Part 1 of the documentary above.  Part 2 will be my next entry, but if you would like to see it immediately you can watch it on Jim’s YouTube channel.  There are also a range of viewing options on TERRA, a  video podcast project from Montana State University’s Master of Fine Arts program in Science and Natural History Filmmaking (where Jim, Scott, and I learned to be responsible film-makers).  Enjoy!