In "Chasing Ice," which proxy is James Balog trying to record? What is he attempting to document?

In the documentary "Chasing Ice," photographer James Balog is attempting to record glaciers as a proxy for climate change. He is particularly focused on capturing the physical changes in glaciers over time through time-lapse photography as evidence of the rapid and dramatic transformations occurring due to global warming. By using these time-lapse sequences, Balog aims to document the melting and retreat of glaciers, which serve as a visible and powerful indicator of the changing climate.

A proxy in scientific terms, especially in the context of studying climate, refers to indirect measures that can be used to infer about past environmental conditions and changes. Since it's impossible to record weather and climate patterns over vast geological timescales directly, proxies like ice cores, tree rings, and sediment layers are used by researchers to gain insights into the Earth's climatic history.

Glaciers are particularly valuable as climate proxies because they are highly sensitive to changes in temperature and precipitation. When the climate warms, glaciers will melt and retreat, and when it cools, they will grow. This process leaves behind evidence that can be studied. The retreat of glaciers is not just a sign of rising temperatures, but it also has implications for sea-level rise and freshwater availability. Glaciers store vast quantities of freshwater, and their loss through melting contributes to the rising sea levels that can threaten coastal communities. In addition, many people around the world depend on the seasonal meltwater from glaciers for their water supply, and the disappearance of these ice masses can have significant impacts on their lives. Through "Chasing Ice" and his Extreme Ice Survey project, James Balog aims to provide visual proof and generate public awareness about the impacts of climate change on these important natural features.