The world from above: A new perspective on climate change
Climate change is a topic that often feels overwhelming, but a new exhibition at the Eden Project in Cornwall, England, offers a unique and powerful way to view the issue. The show, titled Extinction: Renewal, Art of a Living Planet, brings together photography, film, and sculpture to explore the impact of climate change on our planet. What makes this exhibition particularly compelling is its focus on aerial perspectives, which provide a fresh and thought-provoking view of our world.
One of the key takeaways from the exhibition is the power of perspective. By viewing the world from above, photographers are able to capture the beauty and complexity of our planet in a way that ground-level shots simply can't achieve. For example, Daniel Beltrá's shot of Iceland's Høvíta River is a stunning example of this. From above, the river's blues and golds, formed by a mixture of glacial meltwater and sediment, create a mesmerizing abstract painting-like effect. This perspective allows us to see the river's beauty and its place within the larger landscape in a whole new light.
Another powerful example is Sebastião Salgado's aerial image of Alaska's Brooks Range. This shot brings the entire mountain range and its river system into a single composition, offering a breathtaking view of the landscape's breadth and detail. It's a reminder of the vastness and fragility of our planet, and the importance of protecting it.
The use of drones in these shots is particularly interesting. Paul Nicklen's drone shot of a polar bear crossing sea ice, for example, strips away everything you'd see from ground level: eye contact, a sense of human-animal scale, and sentimental feelings. What's left is a clean, almost geometrical composition, with the bear just a single white shape next to a crack in the ice. This perspective emphasizes the bear's vulnerability against forces far larger than itself, and serves as a stark reminder of the impact of climate change on our planet's wildlife.
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 that swaps objectivity for a clear editorial line in the visual itself. This shot is a powerful example of how aerial perspectives can be used to convey a message and evoke an emotional response.
But this exhibition is not just about aesthetics or using drones for the sake of it. It's about pulling countless small details into a broader picture that reveals larger patterns and deeper truths. The show is less about doom and gloom, and more about providing solutions and a positive vision of the future. It's a call to action, a reminder that we have the power to make a difference and create a more sustainable future.
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 viewing things from a wider perspective, you can tell an altogether different story. This exhibition is a testament to the power of aerial perspectives, and a reminder that sometimes, seeing the world from above can offer a new and powerful perspective on some of the most pressing issues of our time.
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, or simply in exploring the world from a new perspective.
