Cristina Mittermeier

Images are a key part of communicating climate change, and shape how we understand the crisis unfolding around us. But while lots of research has been done into the language we use to talk about climate, images are often left out of the conversation.As a result, over time, a limited set of images have come to dominate how we think of climate change – like polar bears and melting glaciers - which haven’t kept up with the changing conversation about the crisis. All too often, these images tend to be abstract, removed from our daily lives and typically don’t feature people - when we know that climate change is happening all around us, all the time, and is very much a story with people and communities at its core.So how can we develop a new, and more effective visual language for climate change? What kind of images ‘work’ to both convey the urgency of the crisis as well as inspire behavioural change? And what are some of the ways in which photographers are seeking to represent the crisis in a way that transforms apathy into action?First broadcast – 27 December 2021Guests: Cristina Mittermeier, photographer and conservationist Arati Kumar-Rao, National Geographic Explorer and photographer Toby Smith, Programme Lead at Climate Visuals Saffron O’Neill, University of ExeterPresenter: Neal Razzell Series Producer: Alex Lewis Producer: Zoe Gelber Researcher: Lizzie Frisby Production Coordinator: Siobhan Reed & Helena Warwick-Cross

Cristina Mittermeier, a pioneering conservation photographer and founder of the conservation photography movement, joins forces with Paul Nicklen, a former polar biologist and celebrated nature photographer. They share harrowing tales of near-death experiences while documenting wildlife, emphasizing the urgency of storytelling in conservation efforts. From their intimate bond to their advocacy for the ocean, they argue for the power of ordinary people as 'glorious amateurs' in the fight for our planet, guided by love, hope, and the transformative beauty of nature.

Cristina Mittermeier, a conservation photographer and co-founder of SeaLegacy, passionately advocates for ocean protection through storytelling. She shares her insights from the World Economic Forum, discusses her latest book 'Hope', and highlights how action drives conservation success. Mittermeier explains the High Seas Treaty’s significance and the rapid recovery observed in marine protected areas. Delving into the science of whale communication, she emphasizes the ocean's crucial role in our ecosystem, aiming to rekindle awe and inspire global action.