Glaciers have lifespans, and most of them are dying. That’s a big problem, not just for the people who like to ski, ice climb, and explore their frozen expanses, but for all of the ecosystems downstream. These icy colossi are essential to the rivers, valleys, lakes, and oceans they feed into. That’s why Protect Our Winters (POW) launched its documentary project, DOWNSTREAM.

The nonprofit organization was founded in 2007 by pro snowboarder Jeremy Jones to combat climate change. POW has since grown to become one of the outdoor industry’s most influential environmental advocacy groups. Through its work with other pro athletes, outdoor brands, and organizations, it continues to make an impact, advocating for better climate policies in Washington and the outdoor industry.

DOWNSTREAM takes us from France’s glacier-fed Rhône River to Oregon’s Columbia River and New Zealand’s Waitaki River. It looks at how these rivers’ glaciers are receding, shrinking — dying for all intents and purposes — and how that is affecting everything downstream of them. Scientists, athletes, and experts all weigh in, explaining how much is at stake.

Protect Our Winters made DOWNSTREAM in partnership with IceBreaker and the VF Foundation. Visit the organization’s website to learn more about POW and its work.

Runtime: 26:06 min.