"The New Big 5" Shines a Spotlight on Wildlife in Peril, Calls for Global Action
In a groundbreaking photography book, renowned British photographer Graeme Green has redefined the "Big Five," once associated with trophy hunting in Africa, to highlight five majestic animals threatened by human activities. The "New Big 5" initiative, launched in 2021, saw over 50,000 people worldwide vote for their most desirable animal subjects, resulting in a diverse set of winners: elephant, polar bear, lion, gorilla, and tiger.
Green's book, featuring stunning images from celebrated wildlife photographers like Ami Vitale, Steve McCurry, and Paul Nicklen, also includes essays from conservationists and activists such as Jane Goodall. The publication is a call to action on pressing environmental issues like habitat loss, poaching, pollution, and climate change, which imperil these iconic species.
"Call to Earth," the book's title, encapsulates Green's vision: "To get people really focusing on wildlife, thinking about the wildlife they love, thinking about the animals that are at risk." By showcasing breathtaking images of endangered creatures in their natural habitats, the book inspires readers to care and take action.
Conservation experts note that the UN reports a staggering 1 million species facing extinction. The "New Big 5" serves as both an urgent reminder of these losses and a tool for sparking global change. As Goodall emphasizes, "we have a window of time during which we can start to heal some of the harm we have inflicted on the natural world."
The book also sheds light on climate-driven threats, such as the decline of blue whales and bees. Green stresses that these images represent only a small fraction of the broader crisis: "That's only the tip of the iceberg – I could have included thousands of pictures because that's how serious the situation is."
"The New Big 5" has been endorsed by prominent conservationists like Goodall, whose words underscore the power of visual storytelling. As Green and his team aim to heal the damage inflicted on wildlife, they remind us of our responsibility as guardians of this precious planet.
The book "The New Big 5: A Global Photography Project For Endangered Wildlife" is now available in April 2023, offering a poignant reminder that we have a choice: to act or succumb.
In a groundbreaking photography book, renowned British photographer Graeme Green has redefined the "Big Five," once associated with trophy hunting in Africa, to highlight five majestic animals threatened by human activities. The "New Big 5" initiative, launched in 2021, saw over 50,000 people worldwide vote for their most desirable animal subjects, resulting in a diverse set of winners: elephant, polar bear, lion, gorilla, and tiger.
Green's book, featuring stunning images from celebrated wildlife photographers like Ami Vitale, Steve McCurry, and Paul Nicklen, also includes essays from conservationists and activists such as Jane Goodall. The publication is a call to action on pressing environmental issues like habitat loss, poaching, pollution, and climate change, which imperil these iconic species.
"Call to Earth," the book's title, encapsulates Green's vision: "To get people really focusing on wildlife, thinking about the wildlife they love, thinking about the animals that are at risk." By showcasing breathtaking images of endangered creatures in their natural habitats, the book inspires readers to care and take action.
Conservation experts note that the UN reports a staggering 1 million species facing extinction. The "New Big 5" serves as both an urgent reminder of these losses and a tool for sparking global change. As Goodall emphasizes, "we have a window of time during which we can start to heal some of the harm we have inflicted on the natural world."
The book also sheds light on climate-driven threats, such as the decline of blue whales and bees. Green stresses that these images represent only a small fraction of the broader crisis: "That's only the tip of the iceberg – I could have included thousands of pictures because that's how serious the situation is."
"The New Big 5" has been endorsed by prominent conservationists like Goodall, whose words underscore the power of visual storytelling. As Green and his team aim to heal the damage inflicted on wildlife, they remind us of our responsibility as guardians of this precious planet.
The book "The New Big 5: A Global Photography Project For Endangered Wildlife" is now available in April 2023, offering a poignant reminder that we have a choice: to act or succumb.