Each year, Planet in Focus honours inspiring individuals who have made a difference to the environment, globally and within their communities, through their actions and body of work. Planet in Focus Eco Heroes are beacons of change and we honour their spirit, their dedication and their ability to inspire.

This year we are pleased to present James Balog with the International Eco Hero Award.

“Nature is changing, right before our eyes. Through my work, I am committed to bearing witness to these changes. Combining insights of art and science, my creative team and I strive to produce innovative, dynamic—and sometimes—shocking interpretations of our changing world. Ultimately, we hope our art not only touches the human spirit, but shifts perception of humanity’s relationship to the natural environment, vital to sustainable living on a finite planet.” — James Balog

Award-winning photographer James Balog has been a leader in documenting, understanding and interpreting the natural environment for three decades. To reveal the impact of climate change, Balog founded the Extreme Ice Survey (EIS), the most wide-ranging, ground-based photographic study of glaciers ever conducted. National Geographic showcased this work in their June 2007 and June 2010 issues. The EIS project is also featured in the 2009 NOVA documentary Extreme Ice and in the feature-length documentary Chasing Ice, that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

Named “Outstanding Photographer of the Year” and “Person of the Year” for 2011 by PhotoMedia, Balog is the author of seven books, including Extreme Ice Now: Vanishing Glaciers, Changing Climate: A Progress Report and most recently, ICE: Portraits of Vanishing Glaciers.

James Balog will be honoured as with the International Eco Hero Award at our Closing Night Gala preceding the screening of Chasing Ice.

Planet in Focus Eco Hero Awards are sponsored by