In recent years, Pasquale has directed his focus towards studying the response of marine organisms to environmental pollutants, showcasing the results of his work in this portfolio. However, these images serve as mere windows into the extensive impact we impose on our oceans. Some shots reveal marine organisms grappling to adapt to the waste we discard. It's a stark reminder: our oceans are suffocating under the weight of plastic pollution, with projections suggesting it may outweigh marine life by 2050.
Starting from October 8, 2023, relentless bombardments by the Israeli army have ravaged the Gaza Strip, leading to the loss of tens of thousands of Palestinians, primarily women and children. The Israeli army initiated the relocation of residents from the northern regions of the Strip to the south, facilitating bombings and invasions to overthrow the rule of the Palestinian Hamas movement. Hamas forces raided military sites along the Gaza Strip border with Israel, leading to the arrest of dozens of Israelis.
In 2023, over 520,000 people embarked on a daunting journey through the Darién Gap, a roadless jungle that has emerged as a crucial migration route to the United States. Traversing this wild landscape means confronting raging rivers, steep hills, and thick mud, while facing the constant threat of bandits lurking in the shadows. While the majority of migrants were Venezuelan, a diverse array of nationalities, including Afghans, Chinese, Cubans, Haitians, Nepalese, Ecuadoreans, and Peruvians, were among those undertaking the challenging trek.
For decades, indigenous communities in the Ecuadorian Amazon have fiercely opposed the numerous concessions granted by the government to both national and foreign companies for extractive activities. Their resistance has played a crucial role in combating climate change and protecting their lands from the devastating environmental consequences of mercury contamination, toxic waste, and the extraction of oil and minerals, which have ravaged hundreds of hectares of the once lush and pristine Amazon rainforest ecosystem. A long history of battles, both armed and legal, against extractive concessions, powerful international corporations, and government complicity. Notable victories include the 25-year legal battle against Chevron-Texaco, the Shuar people's fight to reclaim their lands in Nankints, and the ongoing efforts of the Waorani people to halt oil extraction in the last untouched area of Yasuní National Park. The severe environmental devastation caused by Texaco's activities, considered one of the worst in the history of oil extraction, has fueled the communities' determination to persevere in their resistance. Through ingenuity and success, they have managed to safeguard their natural and cultural heritage, thereby contributing significantly to the global fight against climate change.
In the remote Russian village of Barentsburg, nestled in the Arctic wilderness of Spitsbergen, an unusual tradition endures: whenever you visit the mainland, be sure to hug a tree, as they are a rare sight in this desolate landscape. Accessible only by helicopter, snowmobile, or ship, Barentsburg is a world unto itself, cloaked in darkness for months in winter and illuminated by eternal sunlight during summer. Despite the isolation, a diverse community flourishes here, made up of Ukrainian miners and young urbanites from Russia, united by shared camaraderie and resilience. Amidst geopolitical tensions, their harmonious coexistence remains a testament to human adaptability and unity.
Few insects have captured our collective imagination quite like the Monarch Butterfly. Their annual migration is a breathtaking wildlife spectacle, filled with fascinating natural mysteries. From their multi-generational life cycle to their remarkable GPS navigation abilities, every aspect of their journey is intriguing. Yet, this majestic species faces a significant challenge as its wintering population has declined by a remarkable 90% over the past three decades. Nevertheless, across North America, dedicated individuals are tirelessly working to reverse this alarming decline and pave the way for a brighter future for the Monarchs.
The eastern Ukrainian region of Donbas has become the focal point of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict. In 2014, Russia invaded and occupied parts of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions. Since 2022, the primary objective has been to seize control of the remaining territory. Intense fighting has persisted, particularly in the towns of Avdiivka, Vugledar, and Mariinka. Despite the resilient efforts of the Ukrainian army, the toll in terms of soldiers wounded or killed has been devastatingly high. The region now serves as a grim theater of war, disrupting civilian life and forcing many to make the painful decision to abandon their homes and seek refuge in safer areas.
Chimpanzees aren't merely a species in decline; they share 98.7% of our genetic makeup, and their history is intricately intertwined with ours. Yet, human actions are pushing these primates to the brink of extinction through various forms of exploitation and habitat destruction. Despite conservation efforts and regulations, poaching persists as a significant threat, fueling an illegal market that profits from the illicit sale of chimpanzees in African local markets. While adults are hunted for their meat, young chimpanzees suffer the tragic fate of being sold as pets. Sadly, only a small percentage of infants (approximately one in ten) are identified and rescued from the clutches of illegal trafficking networks, through a complex process of rehabilitation in centers dedicated to the protection and well-being of chimpanzees. Here, experts not only monitor their health but also help them overcome trauma, teach them socialization, and offer them a second chance at life.
In 2023, the U.S. border town of Eagle Pass, Texas, became ground zero for an immigration dispute between Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, and the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden, a Democrat. As immigration numbers soared to their highest in decades, Abbott's Operation Lone Star program militarized the area with barbed wire, spiked buoys, and deployed thousands of National Guard and State troopers. However, neither the physical barriers erected by the state nor the tougher immigration consequences implemented by the federal government deterred migrants. Even efforts by Mexican authorities failed to halt them.
Twin earthquakes of magnitude 7.8 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, struck near the Turkish cities of Kahramanmaras and Gaziantep on February 6, 2023, unleashing widespread devastation across southern Turkey and northern Syria. International search and rescue teams, alongside local volunteers and organizations, combed through the rubble in a desperate search for survivors. The catastrophic event claimed over 50,000 lives in Syria and Turkey, and inflicted extensive damage on infrastructure, leaving behind a staggering $34.2 billion in direct physical damage.
Starting from October 8, 2023, Israel has launched a wave of aerial and ground attacks on Gaza, resulting in extensive destruction and a devastating loss of life, especially among women and children. The conflict has left the Gaza Strip in ruins, with much of its infrastructure destroyed and forcing many residents to flee due to severe shortages of essential necessities such as food, water, and medicine. This escalation of violence was sparked by the attack by Hamas on October 7, which ignited the tragic conflict in Gaza.
Darfur, the western region of Sudan, is described by aid agencies as one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the world. The age-old conflict between settled African farmers and nomadic Arab tribes has reached unprecedented levels of turmoil. Since February 2003, approximately 1.7 million Africans in Darfur have been displaced from their lands, with over 70,000 lives lost in the struggle. Tragically, in 2004, around 10,000 people perished in refugee camps each month. Human Rights Watch investigated disturbing reports of rape being used as a weapon by Arab militiamen.
Rising north out of the Everglades, the tale of the Florida panther has grown from the unlikely survival of a rare cat to a story of hope for all wild Florida. The panther is now a symbol of a call to action to recognize and protect the Florida Wildlife Corridor – a network of public and private land that connects the panther’s current range in south Florida to habitat throughout Florida and beyond. The project inspired the passage of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act and $2 billion in land protection. Follow the Path of the Panther to see how we can reconnect wild places across the Earth.
On February 6, 2023, Turkey and Syria were hit hard by powerful earthquakes. In Turkey alone, over 50,000 lives were lost and more than 100,000 people were injured. Kahramanmaraş suffered the most damage, with hundreds of buildings turned to rubble. Families of those trapped under the fallen buildings waited anxiously for any sign of hope. Unfortunately, many had to face the sad task of identifying their loved ones. Outside the city, a park was turned into a large graveyard, a sad reminder of the lives lost.
Amidst a year where 21 critically endangered California condors have succumbed to the avian influenza virus, which is ravaging bird populations globally, a narrative of extraordinary courage unfolds: a fallen mother, an orphaned egg; a father desperately incubating; and intrepid researchers risking their lives to rescue just one unborn condor from treacherous cliffs. From compassionate volunteers to unified organizations striving to save a species on the brink of extinction, this is a tale of love and determination that triumphs over every obstacle.
Cle’Shai Perry, just 18 years old, tragically lost her life while playing at the playground of her apartment building in Washington, DC on September 5, 2023. Sadly, it's often the young who are both involved in gun violence and become its victims. Fond of pink, Cle’Shai's family and friends honored her memory with a vibrant display of her favorite color, dressing in pink attire and decorations. As she was laid to rest, she looked like an angel, wearing a beautiful pink outfit for her final farewell.
In rural parts of Zambia, the struggle for resources between humans and elephants disrupts their delicate balance. Expanding settlements and unsustainable agriculture pose a growing threat to both species. Can they coexist? Escalating issues worsen with expected climate-driven droughts, urging the need for wildlife corridors. Local engagement is crucial for harmony. Developing sustainable community models is vital for the survival of both elephants and humans.
On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, sparking a devastating conflict. Despite initial setbacks in seizing Kyiv and facing fierce resistance from the Ukrainian army, backed by Western support, Russia adapted its strategy as winter loomed. With temperatures dropping, Russia targeted power plants, leaving large areas of Ukraine without electricity and heating. Today, over half of the country struggles with the harsh reality of life without essential utilities.
In the Dominican Republic, approximately 350 Caribbean flamingos are held illegally in captivity, often serving as ornaments in hotels and households. In 2021, we launched the "Rescate Rosado" program in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment. This initiative aims to rescue, rehabilitate, and release all captive flamingos, addressing a longstanding issue of neglect by authorities. While this endeavor seeks to rectify past wrongs, challenges remain, underscoring the urgency of conservation efforts for this vulnerable species.
Few rivers embody the intricate balance between human needs and environmental preservation as vividly as the Colorado River. The river's resources are heavily exploited, leading to conflicts with the survival of its native fish species. Despite widespread declines and local extinctions of native fish populations, Grand Canyon National Park remains a sanctuary for these species. However, this haven faces increasing threats from climate change and invasive species, putting its delicate ecosystem at risk.
"Orphans" is a project shedding light on the lives of children left without parental care. Across the globe, thousands of minors reside in orphanages, having faced abandonment, loss, or expulsion from their families. Through this photographic work, we embark on a profound exploration of their experiences, amplifying their voices and revealing the hidden realities they face. From orphanages in Zambia to those in Argentina, we encounter challenging circumstances, such as at the "Home of Happiness" in Lusaka, Zambia, dedicated to children with disabilities.
A devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck near Kahramanmaras city, Turkey, in the early hours of Monday, February 6, 2023, followed by another 7.5-magnitude tremor just after midday. These powerful quakes caused widespread destruction in southern Turkey and northern Syria, sending shockwaves felt across nearby countries. The toll was staggering, with over 50 thousand fatalities and more than 100 thousand injuries reported from the initial 7.8 magnitude earthquake alone. Turkish Statistical Institute data revealed that 14 million people were affected, prompting the evacuation of 216 thousand 347 victims from the region to other provinces.
Permafrost, once thought eternal, is now melting due to global warming. Yakutia, Siberia's heartland of permafrost, spans over three million square kilometers. Thawing has grave consequences for local communities, leading to land subsidence, building collapses, road deformations, and ecological disruptions. Scientists warn that permafrost may thaw before the century's end, affecting not only local infrastructure but also greenhouse gas levels and the biosphere's health.
Lützerath, once a small village in North Rhine-Westphalia, fell victim to the relentless pursuit of lignite mining by energy giant RWE in January 2023. Its demolition stands as a symbol of Germany's exploitation of fossil resources. Now, all that remains is a desolate wasteland, a haunting reminder of the destructive impact of human activity on our climate. Lützerath and its residents have become emblematic figures in the battle against climate change and the urgent need for more effective climate policies, with support from the Green Party.
On Saturday nights, behind some of Washington DC's finest restaurants, groups of dog owners gather to unleash their terriers on urban rodents. Known as the Ratscallions, these dedicated owners and their canine companions tackle the city's rat problem head-on. With terriers bred for hunting small mammals, the Ratscallions engage in a unique form of pest control, turning rat hunting into a team sport. As the dogs chase and catch rats in alleys, they provide valuable pest control services while also bringing joy to both owners and pets alike.
On Saturday, October 7, 2023, during the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, the Palestinian Islamist militant group "Hamas" conducted a series of attacks, breaching the border separating the Gaza Strip from Israel. The attack began at dawn with a barrage of at least 3,000 rockets launched into Israel, followed by infiltrations into the territory using motorized paragliders and transported vehicles. Palestinian militants breached the Gaza-Israel barrier, targeting and killing civilians in nearby Israeli communities, including many young participants at a music festival, and attacking military bases.
This series documents the effects of heat stress events driven by climate change on Australia’s Grey-headed Flying-foxes (GHFFs) (Pteropus poliocephalus), along with the initiatives undertaken in urban Victoria to support them during these occurrences. As a keystone species and crucial long-distance pollinator and seed disperser, GHFFs play a vital role in the reproductive, evolutionary, and regenerative processes of forest communities along Australia's east coast. With the impacts of climate change intensifying, the frequency and severity of such events are unfortunately anticipated to rise.