Multimedia animations

In this section you will find several animations designed and produced by the International Polar Foundation on different topics linked to the polar regions, the way our planet's climate functions, climate change, biodiversity and energy.

Most of these animations are available as CD-ROMS in various languages. Please contact us for more information.

Biodiversity in the Fagnes

29.03.2008

This animation focuses on one of the key components of the Fagnes: peat bogs. It shows how peat bogs, which are a unique and sometimes poorly known ecosystem in Belgium, are undergoing the combined effects of climate change and human…
Biodiversity in Belgium

27.03.2008

Although the effects of climate change vary from one place to another, they are appearing everywhere. A number of different phenomena are already being observed in Belgium: the rhythm of life of several species has been disrupted, and "thermophile" species…
Biodiversity - Coral Reefs

17.03.2008

A coral "head" is composed of a colony of animals (polyps) that live thanks to the presence of plant matter (algae) in their tissue. The collaboration between polyps and algae is one of true "symbiosis", each organism being able to…
Biodiversity - Natural Rhythms

03.03.2008

The flash animation explains that "phenology" is the study of a species' rhythm of life. A number of things determine the rhythm of life of a species, such as the seasons, the temperature, the duration of daylight, the rhythm of…
Biodiversity and Food

20.02.2008

Biodiversity is essential for feeding human beings and animals. As a result, if climate change impacts on certain geographical areas, it also affects the people, animals and plants that live there. The effects of these changes vary a great deal…
Biodiversity: Invasive Species

11.02.2008

This flash animation explains the interaction between climate warming and the invasion of new species. The first section explains how, by creating new climate conditions, climate change can provide a means for insect invasion into previously unaffected areas and help…
The biodiversity: relocation of species

22.01.2008

This animation shows that over the course of the Earth's climate's history, species have often had to move in order to benefit from the types of living conditions that suited them. It also demonstrates how, for various reasons, it is…
The biodiversity: introduction

13.01.2008

This animation focuses on the concept of "biodiversity" and its importance for human beings. It also draws attention to the various pressures that people place on the natural environment through pollution, growing urbanisation, the destruction of animal habitats, excessive use…
What is energy?

08.09.2006

Almost everything around us either produces or consumes energy. This energy may be contained in motion, as well as in stationary objects that release energy when they begin to move. The sun is the main source of energy for the…
Polar bears and penguins

06.08.2005

The animation looks at the distribution of two emblematic species, polar bears at the North Pole and penguins at the South Pole.