Ice Alive (2018)

For many, the arctic is a lifeless, sterile place, but Joseph Cook is investigating how a rich ecosystem of microbial life is thriving in one of Earth's harshest environments. Not only that, but these microbes could actually be accelerating the melting of our precious glaciers and ice sheets. Joe's pioneering work with remote sensing from drones (and one day satellites) could help us to understand the effects of climate change on our poles. His work may also help us to one day detect life forms on other planets and moons. This film features Chris Hadfield (former commander of the international space station) and is narrated by quantum physicist Jim Al-Khalili. Through spectacular landscapes in Greenland and Svalbard we see how all life on Earth is connected and our need for a greater understanding of our planet is vital.