Ice Rivers

Professor Jemma Wadham, a leading glaciologist, has dedicated her career to studying glaciers, which are in danger due to retreating in the Alps, Andes, and Himalayas and thinning ice sheets in Antarctica. Her memoir, "Ice Rivers," recounts her twenty-five years of expeditions around the globe, highlighting the importance of the ice to ecosystems and human livelihoods.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 06 May 2021
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Longlisted for the prestigious Wainwright Prize and Shortlisted for the esteemed Richard Jeffries Award, "Ice Rivers" is a captivating tale that delves into the profound passion of one remarkable woman for glaciers. As a leading glaciologist, Professor Jemma Wadham has dedicated her career to studying these majestic ice rivers, which cover approximately one-tenth of the Earth's land surface. However, the reality today is far from promising. High up in the majestic Alps, the Andes, and the Himalayas, once-indomitable glaciers are retreating at an alarming rate, a phenomenon known as glacial retreat. In Antarctica, the situation is even more concerning, with thinning ice sheets releasing meltwater into sensitive marine foodwebs, potentially unlocking vast quantities of methane stored deep beneath them. The potential consequences for humanity are almost unfathomable.

Jemma's first encounter with a glacier as a student ignited a flame within her that has never been extinguished. There is nowhere on Earth that she feels more alive than in the presence of these icy landscapes. From abseiling down treacherous crevasses to skidooing across frozen fjords, exploring ice caverns, and dodging polar bears, every day is a thrilling adventure for a glaciologist. For Jemma, it's all part of the job.

"Ice Rivers" is a memoir unlike any other, offering an eye-witness account by a top scientist at the forefront of the climate crisis. Through her captivating storytelling, Jemma takes us on a journey from the majestic Alps to the Andes, illuminating the critical importance of ice to crucial ecosystems and human livelihoods. As she guides us through these coldest places on our planet, it becomes evident that our lives are intricately intertwined with these icy giants.

This book is not just a scientific exploration; it is also an impassioned love letter to the glaciers that have captured Jemma's heart. With deep reverence and admiration, she shares her experiences and insights, reminding us of the awe-inspiring beauty and fragility of these natural wonders. "Ice Rivers" serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the climate crisis and protect our planet's precious ice resources. It is a call to action, urging us to recognize the significance of these icy landscapes and take steps to mitigate the impact of climate change.

In conclusion, "Ice Rivers" is a must-read for anyone who has a passion for the natural world, a concern for the environment, or a desire to understand the critical challenges facing our planet. Through the captivating story of Professor Jemma Wadham and her unwavering dedication to glaciers, this book offers a glimpse into the world of glaciology and the urgent need for global action. Let us heed the call to protect these icy giants and preserve the beauty and wonder of our planet for generations to come.

Weight: 378g
Dimension: 145 x 223 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241467688