The Human Element by James Balog
Geschreven op 13-12-2018 - Erik van Erne. Geplaatst in Natuur
The Human Element stars renowned photographer James Balog (of Chasing Ice). “When I became a photographer, I wanted to celebrate the elegance and beauty of Nature,” James notes. “But, I soon realized there was a more complex story going on about the collision between people against nature.
“I feel a great sense of urgency to bear witness to the historic moment that we’re in. These changing conditions in our world are not an abstraction – they’re real and immediate and urgent,” James adds.
“Balog’s ultimate hope is not to preach, but to use art to raise awareness of the interconnectivity between nature and a singular, all-powerful force on earth: The Human Element.
Considering Earth, Air, Water, Fire — and the Fifth Element: People — James continues, “An imbalance in one element leads to an imbalance in another. People are the only elements that can choose to restore balance. And that gives me hope.
In The Human Element, Balog follows the four classical elements — air, earth, fire, and water — to frame his journey. Balog explores wildfires, hurricanes, sea level rise, coal mining, and changes in the air we breathe.
The Human Element tells an urgent story. It is also an extended wish for a more balanced relationship between humanity and nature.“We, humans, are a force of nature.
At the same time, human activities alter the basic elements of life – earth, air, water, and fire – those elements change human life in turn.In this riveting and visually rich drama, blending art and science, we follow renowned environmental photographer James Balog as he explores wildfires, hurricanes, sea level rise, a struggling coal mining community, and our changing air supply.”
See also: Chasing Ice by James Balog: The Story of the Earth’s Changing Climate - TED Talk: Time-lapse Proof Of Extreme Ice Loss by James Balog
