Visualizing the Future: A Photographer’s Perspective on Climate Change
The impact of climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a present reality that is reshaping the world in profound ways. Through a powerful photographic series titled “Atlas of the New World,” photographers Edoardo Delille and Giulia Piermartiri have created a compelling visual narrative that highlights the potential future scenarios of climate change, using scientific data and artistic interpretation to convey the urgency of the issue.
Projecting Climate Scenarios
Delille and Piermartiri’s work involves projecting future climate scenarios onto current environments, creating a stark contrast between what is and what could be. Their photographs, taken in six vulnerable regions including the Maldives, California, Mont Blanc, Mozambique, China, and Russia, illustrate the possible consequences of rising sea levels, desertification, wildfires, and climate migration.
In one image from the Maldives, a sea turtle appears to swim beside a couple on a motorbike, while another shows a family posing beneath a diver in full scuba gear. These images, sourced from tourist snapshots, are used to visualize the potential future where the Maldives, the world’s lowest-lying country, may become uninhabitable due to rising sea levels.
The Process Behind the Photography
Shot in 2019 and initially titled “Diving Maldives,” the series evolved into “Atlas of the New World,” a photobook published by L’Artiere. The photographers employed an analog process involving a battery-operated projector connected to a flash, merging scientific data with oneiric visuals to create their striking images.
Delille explained that showing the present was not enough, and they sought to depict the future landscape shaped by global warming. This approach aims to highlight the gravity of the problem and provoke reflection on the need for action.
Highlighting Global Disparities
The project also emphasizes the disparities in how different regions will be affected by climate change. For instance, in Paradise, California, a man is pictured casually scanning his fridge as bright orange flames fill his kitchen, illustrating the increasing risk of wildfires. In Mont Blanc, flowery green meadows are superimposed onto snow, symbolizing the rapid melting of glaciers.
The photographers noted that poor people are disproportionately affected by climate change, as they lack the resources to move to cooler areas. This disparity is evident in Mozambique, where farmers face the consequences of a climate crisis largely driven by wealthier nations.
Engaging the Next Generation
Delille and Piermartiri aim to engage future generations through their work, envisioning “Atlas of the New World” as an educational tool. They believe that when children view these images, they become immediately conscious of the environmental challenges ahead. The project includes comparative data and essays from experts, providing a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand.
Through their collaboration with local communities, the photographers emphasize the importance of listening to those directly impacted by climate change. Their conversations with residents in each location reveal diverse perspectives on the issue, highlighting the unique challenges faced by different regions.
Conclusion
Edoardo Delille and Giulia Piermartiri’s “Atlas of the New World” serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address climate change. By combining art and science, they offer a visual representation of potential futures that challenge viewers to reflect on their role in protecting the planet. As the world grapples with the realities of climate change, their work underscores the importance of collective action and awareness in shaping a sustainable future.
