THE SEA WALL OF EJIT
Surviving the threat of rising sea levels / 1’11" / 2023 / © Christian Clauwers

The Marshallese face an existential threat from climate change, particularly sea level rise. With most of the nation averaging barely two meters above sea level, the Marshall Islands rank among the world’s most vulnerable countries.

Global warming already forces islanders to construct seawalls in a constant struggle against overwash and flooding — a stark reminder of how fragile life on atolls has become.

RISING TIDES, SHIFTING SHORES
Documenting the impacts of Climate Change in the Pacific Ocean / 5’58" / 2023 / © Christian Clauwers

While the polar regions heat up at unprecedented speed, fresh water from melting ice sheets is pushing sea levels to the highest levels ever recorded — already reshaping daily life, especially in the Pacific. This is the core of my ongoing Pacific Project: documenting the vulnerability of island states and the resilience of their people in the face of rising seas.

For over two months, I have been traveling across the Pacific to record how islanders confront this existential threat — through adaptation, seawalls, and traditional resilience. The Republic of the Marshall Islands, together with Tuvalu, Kiribati, and the Maldives, are the world’s only atoll nations. At just two meters above sea level, the Marshall Islands embody the fragility of human survival against global warming. And yet, Pacific Islanders contribute less than 0.03% to climate change.

As a Climate Pact Ambassador of the European Union, I am committed to raising awareness and placing the Pacific region — too often forgotten — firmly on the global agenda. My 6-minute teaser offers a first glimpse of this journey, impressions from the last two weeks amid rising seas, fragile ecosystems, and the voices of resilience.

We are destroying the “library of life”. Without oceans and plants, there would be no oxygen. Beyond climate, I also shed light on the nuclear legacy of the Marshall Islands — the survivors of 67 atomic bomb tests whose scars will last for thousands of years and generations to come.

This is only the beginning. I will continue to document, to listen, and to tell their story.

CHRISTIAN CLAUWERS, A PHOTOGRAPHER WITH A MISSION

Mission & Vision Christian Clauwers / 3’22" / 2022 / © Christian Clauwers & Jean-Simon Gérard

It became my life’s goal to explore the relationship and ever-increasing tension between man and nature, to document impact, and to raise awareness in order to salvage our oceans & polar regions and their communities. I am proudly presenting a movie of my mission and vision, directed and shot in Svalbard this summer by my talented friend Jean-Simon Gérard, who also did the editing. Follow him on www.instagram.com/jeansimongerard/

A MAOIST TOWN IN MODERN CHINA

two drone teasers / 35” & 56" / 2018 / © Christian Clauwers

It was hard to find, but worth to have a look. A journey to the revolutionary China of the 1950's, where even portraits of Marx, Engels, Stalin and Lenin are represented on the main square. Propaganda from speakers, no advertising billboards, portraits of the Chairman everywhere... On the rainbow is written: "Mao Zedong thought will shine forever". Yes, this is all real... It is not a park nor a tourist attraction. When I took out my drone, the adrenaline was enormous. The local police man was fascinated and (maybe because of his enthusiasm?) he let me do my thing...

THE WANDERING PENGUIN

teaser / 1'05" / 2017 / © Christian Clauwers

Danco Island, Antarctica, 13th of March 2017, around 11 am...

DRONE FOOTAGE OF SCOGLIETTO DI PORTOFERRAIO, ELBA, ITALY

drone teaser / 42" / 2017 / © Christian Clauwers

A lonely lighthouse bathing in the golden Italian sun near the coastline of Elba, at Scoglietto di Portoferraio, Italy.

THE SHEER CLIFFS OF MYKINES

drone teaser / 43" / 2016 / © Christian Clauwers

Drone footage of the spectacular cliffs on the island of Mykines, Farœ Islands (Denmark). This is my very first drone footage, how exciting!

A DRONE FLIGHT OVER SAN GIMIGNANO, TUSCANY, ITALY

drone teaser / 40" / 2017 / © Christian Clauwers

Piercing through Tuscany clouds, the medieval skyscrapers of San Gimignano still appeal to the imagination...

THE NEEDLE

drama / 2' 03" / 2001 / © Christian Clauwers

A personal interpretation of one of the most touching songs ever written...

THE 9TH OF LUDWIG VON

absurd comedy / 1' 30" / 2002 / © Christian Clauwers

FINALÉ

ironic drama / 2' 58" / 2003 / © Christian Clauwers

PRESBY

commercial / 1' 52" / 2001-2002 / © Christian Clauwers

THE END

ironic drama / 1' 26" / 2003 / © Christian Clauwers

In 1916, the Hershey Chocolate Corporation of Pennsylvania (USA) purchased large parts of land in Cuba and built a sugar mill 45 km east of Havana, Cuba. To transport its produce (sugar) to nearby ports ands its workers to adjacent towns in Cuba, this authentic Hershey train -steam-powered and dating 1917- was built. It still rides !