A groundbreaking new photography book is shedding light on some of the world's most endangered species, shifting the narrative from hunting trophies to a call for conservation. The "New Big Five" initiative, founded by British photographer Graeme Green, aims to inspire action on pressing environmental issues.
Originally used to describe iconic African animals, the term has been revived by Green to highlight five species threatened by human activities such as habitat loss, poaching, and climate change. These include the elephant, polar bear, lion, gorilla, and tiger – all of which are facing unprecedented dangers.
The book features stunning images from renowned wildlife photographers like Ami Vitale, Steve McCurry, and Paul Nicklen, alongside essays from conservationists Jane Goodall and Paula Kahumbu. The project has garnered over 50,000 votes from people worldwide, with the top five species emerging as a rallying cry for action.
"This book is not just about photography – it's about wildlife and our responsibility to protect them," Green said in an interview. "These animals are ambassadors for what's happening in the natural world, and we need to take action now."
With nature declining at an alarming rate, according to the UN, the book serves as a powerful reminder of what is at stake. It also highlights potential solutions, such as rewilding and the importance of indigenous communities in conservation.
One chapter dedicated to endangered species illustrates the far-reaching impact of climate change on animals outside the "New Big Five." Green emphasized that this is just the tip of the iceberg, with many more species facing similar threats.
The book's publication coincides with a pressing need for collective action. As Jane Goodall noted in her afterword, "we have a window of time during which we can start to heal some of the harm we've inflicted on the natural world... if we get together and take action now."
"The New Big Five: A Global Photography Project For Endangered Wildlife" is published by Earth Aware Editions and hits shelves on April 4, 2023.
Originally used to describe iconic African animals, the term has been revived by Green to highlight five species threatened by human activities such as habitat loss, poaching, and climate change. These include the elephant, polar bear, lion, gorilla, and tiger – all of which are facing unprecedented dangers.
The book features stunning images from renowned wildlife photographers like Ami Vitale, Steve McCurry, and Paul Nicklen, alongside essays from conservationists Jane Goodall and Paula Kahumbu. The project has garnered over 50,000 votes from people worldwide, with the top five species emerging as a rallying cry for action.
"This book is not just about photography – it's about wildlife and our responsibility to protect them," Green said in an interview. "These animals are ambassadors for what's happening in the natural world, and we need to take action now."
With nature declining at an alarming rate, according to the UN, the book serves as a powerful reminder of what is at stake. It also highlights potential solutions, such as rewilding and the importance of indigenous communities in conservation.
One chapter dedicated to endangered species illustrates the far-reaching impact of climate change on animals outside the "New Big Five." Green emphasized that this is just the tip of the iceberg, with many more species facing similar threats.
The book's publication coincides with a pressing need for collective action. As Jane Goodall noted in her afterword, "we have a window of time during which we can start to heal some of the harm we've inflicted on the natural world... if we get together and take action now."
"The New Big Five: A Global Photography Project For Endangered Wildlife" is published by Earth Aware Editions and hits shelves on April 4, 2023.
, not just for the animals, but also for future generations & the planet as a whole! The fact that climate change is affecting species outside the "New Big Five" should give us all pause – it's like the canary in the coal mine 
. We gotta take responsibility for our footprint, make conscious choices, and support conservation efforts 
. It's not too late to turn the tide & make a difference, but we need collective action 
. By supporting initiatives like this photography project, we're sending a powerful message that wildlife matters 
.
! It's such a powerful reminder of the state we're in with the planet - I mean, have you seen some of these pics? They're stunning but also super sobering 
. I love that it's shifting the narrative from just being about hunting trophies to actually doing something about conservation. We need more people like Graeme Green who are willing to use their platform for good 
. And I'm loving how they're highlighting indigenous communities too - we can't just talk about conservation without recognizing their role in preserving our natural world 
the book is like a wake-up call, reminding us of what's at stake and offering solutions like rewilding and indigenous community involvement. i'm definitely adding this to my reading list ASAP 
can't wait to dive in! 
The "New Big Five" initiative is a game-changer – it's not just about animals being cute and majestic (although, let's be real, they are 
), it's about the reality of what's happening to our planet. I mean, 50,000 people worldwide voting for their top five endangered species? That's like, a movement, fam! 
. The thing is, nature isn't just some abstract concept – it's our life support system, you feel? We need to take action now, or else we'll be the ones who are extinct 
. So, let's get on board with rewilding and indigenous community involvement... and maybe, just maybe, we can save ourselves along the way 
what i dont get tho is why they're making a big deal out of these five specific animals? cant we just talk about all the endangered species together instead? btw has anyone seen those polar bears in person?
It's clear that this book is not just about photography, but about our responsibility to protect the natural world 
We need more voices like this shouting out for action on climate change and habitat loss! 
- who wouldn't want to see beautiful pics of majestic animals like elephants 
, polar bears 
, lions 
, gorillas 
, and tigers 
? But what I love most about this book is that it's not just a pretty face (although, let me tell you, those photographers have skills 
). It's actually highlighting the very real dangers these animals are facing due to human activities like habitat loss, poaching, and climate change 
.
. We need more people talking about conservation and taking action, not just collecting trophies from hunting trips 
. The authors are all top-notch experts in their fields, too - Jane Goodall, Paula Kahumbu... the list goes on! So, if you haven't already, get ready to have your mind blown by some of the most gorgeous photos you've ever seen 
It's like, the ultimate animal lover's dream come true - except instead of just cuddling sloths all day (although, let's be real, that sounds pretty great too 
Like, didn't we already have enough on our plates? But seriously, these guys need our help - and fast!
)!
. I mean, have you seen the pics from Ami Vitale and Steve McCurry? Mind blown! 
The way Graeme Green is using his platform to raise awareness about these five species is really inspiring 
. But at the same time, I'm feeling hopeful because this book is showing us all these amazing people doing incredible work 
. Sounds great in theory, but how do we actually make that happen? We gotta be realistic here – humans have been messing with nature for centuries, it's not gonna magically fix itself just because we decide to try again. Plus, what about all the people who depend on these species for a living? Do we just kick them out of their homes and expect everything to work out?
, and if it gets more people talking about conservation, then I'm all for it 
. Just don't expect me to start wearing a vegan cape and protesting outside the local zoo anytime soon 
. It's so important that we take action now, especially with climate change being such a huge threat to wildlife 
the images are insane, but it's what's behind them that really matters. we need more people like Graeme Green who care enough to take a stand 
let's all just take a moment to appreciate these incredible creatures before its too late 
and i love how this book is not just about taking pics, its also about giving solutions and highlighting the importance of indigenous communities in conservation 
gotta get my hands on a copy ASAP 
. This book is like a wake-up call, and I'm here for it 
.
And what's rewilding, anyway? Sounds like some fancy word for "letting nature do its thing". 