The internationally acclaimed documentary series Voices from the Roof of the World (VRW) is back for its fourth season, bringing the human face of climate change into sharp focus.
This season delves into the lives of communities in “the third pole,” a region of glaciers that feed water to 1.6 billion people downstream. From Pakistan’s rising temperatures and disappearing glaciers to smog-choked cities, VRW highlights how climate change is no longer a distant threat – it’s a daily reality.
Pakistan has felt the crisis firsthand. Intense rainstorms and accelerated glacier melting have triggered devastating floods and landslides that have destroyed homes and infrastructure, while millions, especially children, struggle with 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 shapes how people breathe, move and imagine their future,” says director Jawad Sharif, whose film Color of Smog brought the city’s environmental plight to the screen.
Eight-time Emmy winner and VRW Executive Producer Andrew Tkach emphasizes that the series doesn’t just highlight issues — it also celebrates resilience.
“Season 4 tells stories of communities confronting 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 won global recognition, including Columbia University’s John B Oakes Award for Distinguished Environmental Journalism, and its episodes have been screened at more than 50 international film festivals.
Laila Naz Taj of AKDN Pakistan Communications says, “These films are not distant warnings; they reflect the daily challenges that communities across Pakistan and the region face.”
Supported by 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 across Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Nepal and beyond – available in English, Urdu and Russian, with Arabic versions on the way.
Voices from the Roof of the World Season 4 is more than a documentary – it’s a mirror that shows Pakistan the climate reality it can’t ignore.
