The internationally acclaimed documentary series Voices from the Roof of the World (VRW) returns for its fourth season, shining a spotlight on the human face of climate change.
This season immerses itself in the life of the communities of the “Third Pole”, a region of glaciers that feeds water to 1.6 billion people downstream. From rising temperatures in Pakistan and disappearing glaciers to cities choked by smog, VRW highlights how climate change is no longer a distant threat – it’s a daily reality.
Pakistan has felt the crisis first-hand. Intense storms and accelerated melting of glaciers have caused devastating floods and landslides, destroying homes and infrastructure, while millions, particularly children, battle severe air pollution. Lahore, once known for its gardens, is now battling one of the world’s worst smog crises.
“Smog in Lahore is not just a statistic: it is a reality that determines how people breathe, move and imagine their future,” says director Jawad Sharif, whose film Color of Smog brought the city’s environmental emergency to the screen.
Andrew Tkach, eight-time Emmy winner and executive producer of VRW, emphasizes that the series not only highlights issues, but also celebrates resilience.
“Season 4 tells stories of communities facing melting glaciers and disappearing forests, while reviving ancient waterways and saving endangered wildlife. These stories show that while the environment is changing rapidly, hope and action are still possible.”
VRW has earned global recognition, including Columbia University’s John B. Oakes Award for Distinguished Environmental Journalism, and its episodes have screened at more than 50 international film festivals.
Laila Naz Taj of AKDN Pakistan Communications says: “These films are not warnings from afar; they reflect the daily challenges faced by communities across Pakistan and the region.”
With support from the Aga Khan University, the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, the University of Central Asia and the Aga Khan Foundation, VRW has produced 30 documentaries in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Nepal and beyond, available in English, Urdu and Russian, with Arabic versions on the way.
The fourth season of Voices from the Roof of the World is more than a documentary: it is a mirror that shows Pakistan the climate reality it cannot ignore.
