Climate Change and Photography: A Call to Action

The global impact of climate change is undeniable. We are reminded of our ever-changing world on a daily basis, and the question that often arises is, “How can I make any difference in this universal threat?” You can as a photographer, and this call to action offers an important step in this direction. Join us on Saturday, December 7, to find inspiration in the arc and impact of four photographers and discover how you can contribute to the fight for our planet’s future through your own photography and artistic practice.

This panel offers the unique opportunity to hear directly from storytellers who have dedicated their careers to documenting the environmental, political, and spiritual upheavals of our time. Victor Moriyama, Nichole Sobecki, Kiliii Yuyan, and moderator Carlan Tapp—all world-renowned photographers and photojournalists—have found pathways to making a difference through work that vividly illustrates the peril of climate change, while also highlighting the resilience and activism of communities worldwide. In this three-hour program, our panelists present projects spanning every corner of the Earth, from the Southwestern United States to the Congo Basin, from the Amazon rainforest to the Arctic North, then join together in conversation.

Moderated by long-time Santa Fe Workshops instructor and documentary photographer and filmmaker, Carlan Tapp, this program spans the creative, technical, and ethical considerations of photographing our changing world. Carlan and the panelists explore the challenges ahead, reflect on the unique power of photography as a tool for documentation and advocacy, and offer pathways to action for fellow storytellers and photographers.

The day begins with an introduction to our panelists, who provide a framework for understanding how photography is contributing a visual voice to the climate crisis. We then move into a 30-minute presentation by each photographer, followed by a moderated discussion between Carlan and the panelists, and conclude with a lively Q&A session with the audience.

Victor Moriyama, a world-renowned Brazilian photojournalist whose work focuses on the environmental and sociological impacts of climate change in the Amazon rainforest, shares insights from his long-term project documenting the violent occupation of the Amazon, shedding light on issues such as deforestation, land grabbing, and the vital role of Indigenous peoples in preserving the biome. Victor also discusses the challenges faced in journalism by those documenting climate change and reflects upon the importance of photographers listening to their inner voice in search of the issues that move us.

Photojournalist Nichole Sobecki shares her experiences documenting the unfolding impacts of the climate crisis in Africa. Nichole offers her perspective on climate change photography through the lens of three projects: Where Our Land Was, which investigates significant environmental change in Somalia; Cheetah for Sale, which documents the illegal trafficking network draining Africa of its cheetah cubs; and Forest Guardians, which explores the vital role the Congo Basin plays in the ecological balance of our planet and those fighting for its future. Nichole’s work spans such diverse themes as the impacts of war on the environment, the human consequences of climate change, and the power of science and a new generation of African researchers supporting conservation efforts across the continent.

Kiliii Yuyan presents The Guardians of Life, highlighting Indigenous climate stewardship solutions from around the globe. Indigenous peoples are responsible for the stewardship of nearly 40% of all land, resulting in the single greatest bulwark against a changing climate. In Mongolia, shamanism has led to the restoration of grasslands across the country. In Palau, coral reef resilience is supported by an enormous marine protected area. Aboriginal Australians tend to their rainforests through the use of intentional cultural fire, preventing catastrophic wildfires. Through these stories and more, Kiliii showcases the innovative ways Indigenous peoples are preserving ecosystems and combating climate change.

Join us in December for an informative and compelling call to action for any photographer or artist wishing to find ways, large and small, to make a difference in the fight to save our planet.