The world from above: How aerial photography captures climate change
Aerial photography has the power to transform our understanding of the world. By offering a unique perspective from above, it can reveal hidden patterns, patterns, and truths that ground-level views often obscure. This is especially true when it comes to climate change, a complex and multifaceted issue that can be difficult to grasp in all its complexity. The upcoming exhibition, Extinction: Renewal, Art of a Living Planet, showcases the potential of aerial photography to convey the impact of climate change and inspire action.
The exhibition, which opens at the Eden Project in Cornwall, England, in September, brings together photography, film, and sculpture within four themed zones: Extinction, Climate, Community, and Renewal. It's a journey through time and space, offering a unique perspective on our planet's current state. The photographs on display share a common approach: to see things as they really are, you first have to gain some altitude.
One of the most striking examples is Daniel Beltrá's shot of Iceland's Høvíta River. From above, the river's blues and golds, formed by a mixture of glacial meltwater and sediment, marble together in a way that resembles an abstract painting. This image is a testament to the power of aerial photography to reveal the beauty and complexity of our natural world. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best way to understand something is to step back and take a bird's-eye view.
Another notable example is Sebastião Salgado's aerial image of Alaska's Brooks Range. This photograph brings the entire mountain range and its river system into a single composition, awe-inspiring in its breadth and detail. It's a reminder of the vastness and fragility of our planet, and the importance of protecting it. The image also highlights the impact of climate change on our natural landscapes, as the Brooks Range is one of the many areas affected by rising temperatures and changing weather patterns.
Paul Nicklen's drone shot of a polar bear crossing sea ice is another powerful example. From above, the bear is just a single white shape next to a crack in the ice. This image strips away the sentimentality and emotion often associated with ground-level views of wildlife, leaving only the stark reality of the bear's vulnerability against forces far larger than itself. It's a reminder of the impact of climate change on our wildlife and the urgent need for action.
Richard Mosse pushes this sense of detachment even further with his shot of log barges from above. His use of infrared, rendering the vegetation red and water black, is an inspired decision, swapping objectivity for a clear editorial line in the visual itself. This image is a powerful statement on the impact of human activity on our environment, and the need for a more sustainable approach to our relationship with the planet.
What makes these images particularly fascinating is the way they challenge our assumptions and perspectives. By seeing the world from above, we are forced to reconsider our place in the natural world and the impact of our actions on the environment. It's a reminder that we are all part of a larger ecosystem, and that our actions have consequences that extend far beyond our immediate surroundings.
In my opinion, the use of aerial photography in this exhibition is a powerful tool for raising awareness about climate change. It's a way to see the world that is both beautiful and thought-provoking, and it has the potential to inspire action and drive change. As photographers and artists, we have a responsibility to use our craft to highlight the issues that matter, and aerial photography is a powerful way to do just that.
The lesson for photographers here is clear: whether you're shooting wildlife, landscapes, or other natural phenomena, there's often an argument for stepping back, up, and outwards from the detail. By seeing things from a wider perspective, you can tell an altogether different story. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best way to understand something is to step back and take a bird's-eye view.
Extinction: Renewal, Art of a Living Planet runs at the Eden Project, Bodelva, St Austell, Cornwall, PL24 2SG. The exhibition is open from September 17-27, 10:00-17:00; September 28-October 16, 10:00-16:00; October 17-November 01, 10:00-17:00; and November 02-January 03, with varying opening times. It's a must-see for anyone interested in photography, climate change, and the future of our planet.
