Alaska's Creative Trio Tackles Climate Change Through Art and Science

In the vast, icy landscapes of Alaska, three women are coming together to shed light on climate change in a unique way. Debbie Clarke Moderow, once a fierce competitor in the grueling Iditarod sled dog race, has traded her sled for a pen. Her journey from the race track to the written page is just one part of a larger story. Moderow's life took a dramatic turn after her victory in the Iditarod. She decided to use her experiences to explore the changing climate of the region she loves. Alongside artist Julie Hollenbach and ecologist Anne Beaudreau, she is part of a traveling exhibit called "Threshold 32°F. " This exhibit is not just about art or science; it's a blend of both, aiming to tell the story of the northern environment through a full season. The exhibit features 10 oil paintings by Hollenbach, each paired with a poem by Moderow and scientific notes by Beaudreau. Together, they depict the lives of plants and animals in the north, highlighting the impacts of climate change. The title "Threshold 32°F" refers to the freezing point of water, a critical temperature for the ecosystems they are studying. Moderow's transition from a competitive musher to a poet and climate advocate is noteworthy. After years of racing and raising a family, she pursued a master's degree and published a memoir. Now, she is using her writing to address the pressing issue of climate change, even as many people deny its existence. The collaboration between Moderow, Hollenbach, and Beaudreau is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary work. By combining art, poetry, and science, they are able to reach a wider audience and convey complex ideas in an accessible way. The exhibit encourages viewers to think critically about the natural world and the changes it is undergoing.