An Explorer’s Journey into a Changing Climate showcases the compelling nautical adventures of photographer, sailor, and climate activist David Thoreson.
Follow Thoreson’s Arctic voyages by closely examining his stunning photography and fascinating personal artifacts, such as journals and exploration equipment. The exhibit highlights how anyone and everyone can be an explorer and a scientist by observing the world around them.
About David Thoreson
David Thoreson is an award-winning photographer, explorer, activist, and author of the autobiographical photo journal, Over the Horizon: Exploring the Edges of a Changing Planet. As the first American sailor in history to sail the Northwest Passage in both directions, Thoreson became an eyewitness to the rapidly changing environment of the Arctic Ocean, leading him to become an advocate for ocean and wilderness protection.
Thoreson has sailed more than 70,000 nautical miles, including below the Antarctic Circle, three times across the Atlantic, eight times over the Arctic Circle, twice around Cape Horn and, in 2009-10, a 28,000-mile circumnavigation of North and South America. His documentary of that voyage was nominated for an Emmy and published in the beautiful photo book, One Island, One Ocean. Now a sought-after speaker on polar, ocean and climate issues, Thoreson has shared his observations at the National Press Club, World Science Festival, TEDx, and more. You can watch his TEDxVail presentation, The Accidental Explorer, here.
A Closer Look
Explore Thoreson’s work below. Hover over the image to magnify and examine the finer details of the photo. What do you notice in his photographs? What do you wonder?
We have seen the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. The golden age of exploration has come to a close and the beginning of a new era is just starting: the study and change of the Earth’s climate.
david thoreson
Keep Exploring
David Thoreson was an eyewitness to our changing climate, but it was through his observations at he, and the rest of the world, were able to put it all into perspective. You can make your own scientific observations, and reflect on changes that you see around you. Check out the episode of Curious By Nature below to see how to get started on your own weather journal, and how your long-term osbervations can help you see patterns and make predictions.
