Greenland's fragile beauty: inspiration for a sustainable future

Greenland is fascinating not just because of its majestic icebergs and endless snowy landscapes, but also because of its significance as a mirror image of the global climate crisis. This region is a living testimony to the urgency of sustainable action. The effects of climate change are particularly visible here: melting masses of ice, shortened frost cycles and profound changes in the environment are all threatening both the fragile ecosystem and the cultural traditions of the people who live in this region.

ZEISS has embarked on a journey with photographer and climate analyst Sebastian Copeland to capture stories about Greenland. Thanks to his unique perspective, Copeland documents the fragility and strength of this extraordinary landscape and sheds light on how photography and science can develop an awareness of sustainability.

Greenland is known for its breathtaking landscapes and unspoiled beauty. However, the melting icebergs, the shortening frost cycles and the changing living conditions of the local population are alarming indications that underline the urgency to protect this unique region. The polar regions, which are severely affected by climate change, give us a clear view of what our future could look like.

Photographing in the Arctic regions presents experienced photographers with extraordinary challenges too. The extreme cold, unpredictable weather and the vast, often inaccessible landscapes require both technical precision and physical endurance and careful planning. However, the polar regions offer incomparable scenery with their unique beauty, from glistening icebergs to untouched snowfields. Sebastian Copeland embarks on these journeys not only to create impressive images, but also to report on this fragile world.

Sebastian Copeland's quest for the perfect picture begins with a careful balance of planning, patience and creativity because icebergs tell their own stories – some powerful and massive, others delicate and fragile. It is therefore all the more important to carefully select the right positioning and thus also the right details in the image.

Copeland sees this as being more than just photography: it is his personal mission to make the voices of nature heard and to preserve the extraordinary landscape of the Arctic for future generations. With the help of ZEISS lenses, Copeland succeeds in capturing the details and subtleties of the landscape with extraordinary precision.

Discover the world of ZEISS photography and find out more about the innovations behind every perfect image.