Breathtaking images of nature’s resilience inspire hope and action in the face of climate change, plastic pollution, and human impact.
A sleeping sperm whale and her calf, suspended in the vast expanse of the ocean. This photograph, ‘Suspended Grace,’ is a testament to the haunting resilience of ‘nature’ . Taken by acclaimed photographer Paul Nicklen, it captures the intricate bond between mother and child in a moment of serenity.
The sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) is a massive marine mammal that inhabits the world's oceans.
Reaching lengths of up to 20 meters and weighing up to 57 tons, it is the largest toothed predator on Earth.
Its distinctive rounded head contains a large melon-shaped organ used for 'echolocation' , allowing it to hunt deep-sea prey like giant squid.
Sperm whales are found in temperate and tropical waters worldwide and feed primarily on cephalopods.
Nature encompasses all living and non-living elements that surround us, including the Earth's physical systems, climate, geography, and biodiversity.
It is a vast and intricate web of relationships between organisms, ecosystems, and the environment.
The natural world has been shaped by billions of years of evolution, resulting in incredible diversity and complexity.
From the simplest microorganisms to the most complex ecosystems, nature continues to fascinate scientists, philosophers, and artists alike.
Paul Nicklen is a South African-born photographer, conservationist, and explorer.
He is the co-founder of Oceanic Preservation Society (OPS), a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting marine life through filmmaking and photography.
Nicklen's work focuses on documenting the natural world, often highlighting the impact of human activities on wildlife habitats.
He has received numerous awards for his photography, including multiple World Press Photo Awards.
Facing Fears and Finding Joy
Nicklen’s experience with taking this photograph was far from peaceful. He recounts feeling his lungs burning and his brain trying to induce panic as he shot the image in Dominica in 2019. Yet, amidst the chaos, he focused on breathing, framing, and floating still. This sense of calm allowed him to tap into a deeper connection with the natural world. As he revisits this image, Nicklen is reminded of the risks whales face due to ‘climate change‘ , plastic pollution, and human activities. Despite these concerns, he remains grateful for the opportunity to share their story.
A Record of Endurance
Marine biologist Cristina Mittermeier‘s photograph, ‘Laundry on the Mandare,’ tells a poignant tale of resilience in the face of adversity. Shot in Madagascar in 2008, it captures the desolate landscape of a drought-stricken village where families struggle to survive. Seventeen years later, Mittermeier reflects on her initial feelings of guilt for leaving, which have given way to a deep respect for the local people’s endurance. Her work serves as a record of the decisions made far away that shape who suffers and who escapes.
A Connection with the Natural World
Nicklen’s photographs also convey a sense of awe and wonder at the natural world. His shot, ‘Ephemeral Palace,’ depicts an iceberg drifting through the Antarctic Peninsula , a poignant reminder of the fragility of our planet’s ice caps. In contrast, his final image, ‘Face to Face,’ shows a polar bear in Svalbard, Norway, which challenges the perception of these animals as ‘problem bears’ . Nicklen has encountered over 2,000 polar bears in the wild and never had to take a life in self-defence.
A Call to Action
These photographs serve as a stark reminder of the need for collective action to protect our planet. As we face the challenges of ‘climate change‘ , plastic pollution, and human impact on the natural world, we must recognize the resilience of nature and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
- newscientist.com | Remarkable photos highlight the haunting resilience of nature
