James is a glaciologist and climate scientist with a PhD and MPhil in Antarctic climate science from the University of Cambridge and the British Antarctic survey. Field work includes expeditions to Thwaites Glacier, one of the most rapidly changing and unstable glaciers in the world, and he previously worked as a snow scientist at ICIMOD. James works at the International Cryosphere Climate Initiative where he serves as the Chief Science Advisor and coordinates the Ambition on Melting Ice High-level Group on Sea-level Rise and Mountain Water Resources.