Naturwunder Hochgebirge

The Julian Alps lie between Slovenia and the Italian province of Friuli. In this region, so far untouched by mass tourism, much remains natural and pristine. But climate change is causing waterfalls to dry up in summer – and storms and erosion are leading to destruction and pest infestations.

In the Georgian regions of Svaneti and Racha, the alpine ecosystems are particularly affected by climate change. This also puts pressure on the people: landslides threaten villages, and agriculture must find new ways of doing business. The tradition-conscious locals are facing profound change.

The Spanish Picos de Europa, a mountainous region largely unexplored even by those familiar with the country. There, Spain, which in many places resembles a desert, reveals its green and alpine side. But hotter weather, drought, and rural depopulation pose challenges for the region's flora, fauna, and people.

The highest point in Northern Europe: Jotunheimen in Norway. The peaks gleam brilliantly white, but below, increasingly warmer weather is posing a challenge: glaciers are melting, and moose are suffering from the heat. People, too, must adapt to these changes – and are finding sometimes unconventional ways to do so, even cultivating wine.