Double Exposure: Photographing Global Climate Change

Beginning in the 1930s, the late explorer and Museum of Science founding director, Bradford Washburn photographed some of the world's most remote landscapes through the use of aerial photography. A contemporary of Ansel Adams, Washburn has long been recognized for the artistry and majestic beauty of his black and white photographs. Now these dramatic images are considered a valuable scientific record that documents shifting glacial landscapes. In Double Exposure, Washburn's historic images are juxtaposed with more recent photographs taken by environmental photojournalist, David Arnold. The exhibit reveals how art can be used as a tool for studying science — when viewed side by side, the photos clearly demonstrate glacial recession.

In an attempt to depict the impact of global warming, Arnold photographed many of the icy vistas first shot by Washburn, using identical camera angles, vantage points, and altitudes — information that he gathered from Washburn?s flight logs. Shooting 4" x 5" negatives with a lightweight camera that could easily be held out the windows of airplanes and helicopters, Arnold, a former Boston Globe reporter, flew over mountain ranges in Alaska and Switzerland — sometimes at altitudes almost five miles high?to recreate these striking images.

In early 2006, Arnold welcomed Gabriela Romanow as a partner to the project. Her concerns and knowledge about global warming have allowed the exhibit to reach beyond photographs. The explanatory panels accompanying the pictures highlight many of the challenges and opportunities posed by global climate change.

"The Museum of Science is proud to open this powerful exhibit, which — through beautiful and arresting photographs — inspires us to consider the effects of climate change on some of the most majestic regions on Earth," said David Rabkin, Museum vice president of innovation, strategic partnerships & sustainability, and a member of the advisory board for Double Exposure. "The Museum engages people of all ages worldwide in developing the essential scientific thinking and engineering skills we need to thrive while also supporting Earth's ability to sustain life. We hope that this exhibit will prompt audiences to discuss the consequences of global climate change and reflect on ways that knowledge, scientific discovery, and innovation can help us design solutions that create a better future for our planet."

Double Exposure presents 15 of Washburn's "before" photos paired with images taken by Arnold between 2005 and 2007 — nearly 70 years later. Although Arnold's photos depict the exact locales first captured on film by Washburn, his versions are dramatically different. For example, when Arnold traveled to the Nunatak Glacier in Alaska, originally shot by Washburn in 1938, it had nearly vanished. Today, mostly mud remains where, in 1940, Washburn had witnessed the great frozen river of Alaska's Hugh Miller Glacier. As Arnold approached the Guyot Glacier in an attempt to match the scene from Washburn's earlier photograph, he struggled to recognize the once colossal area from the image due to retreating ice. "If I had not known where I was going in that 1938 photograph, I would not have recognized the scene," said Arnold.

Arnold first became interested in retracing Washburn's steps in 2005 after purchasing a photograph of climbers in Switzerland ascending the Doldenhorn, considered Washburn's signature picture. "I began to wonder what toll global warming was taking on the magnificent scenes Washburn had captured," he said. According to Arnold, even replicating just 15 of Washburn's many thousands of images was an enormous challenge: "In parts of Alaska, precipitation has increased by 30% since the 1930s, due partly to climate change. In Switzerland, I was driven away by a flood the likes of which Europe had not seen for 100 years." "But," Arnold added, "I knew from the start that chasing Washburn would be an adventure, and that some shadows could never be caught."

Double Exposure is sponsored by Bank of America. "At Bank of America, we recognize that we must address climate change to cultivate and support an environmentally sustainable economy," said Robert E. Gallery, Bank of America Massachusetts president. "By collaborating with our valued partner, the Museum of Science, on this important exhibit, we are pleased to be increasing awareness of this crucial issue impacting our planet," he added.

Double Exposure: Photographing Global Climate Change will be presented at the Museum of Science through June 22, 2008. -- www.mos.org