For 20 years Conrad Anker has been a professional climber. From humble beginnings exploring the wilds of the Sierras, he’s become one of the world’s leading alpinists. With major ascents in the Himalaya, Alaska, Antarctica, Patagonia and Yosemite, Anker’s career spans many of the great accomplishments in mountaineering history.

Through the passage of time Anker has learned many valuable lessons. But it was the tragic death of his long time climbing partner and best friend Alex Lowe along with photographer David Bridges in an avalanche in1999 that changed the course of his life forever.  Anker came to realize that adventure for the sake of glory was no longer something he wanted to be about. So in the years since he’s has dedicated his life to making a difference in the world.

Still with a passion for mountains and the indigenous people who inhibit them, Anker now works to raise awareness for the growing trend of climate change and it’s impact on the recession of high altitude glaciers, which supply much of the world’s fresh water.

During the 2008 Telluride Mountain Film Festival in Telluride, Colo., SNEWS® Live met with Anker to discuss his life’s path from amateur adventurer to environmental activist.

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