“Conservation is a big puzzle, and my job demands that I am an ambassador both for the natural world and my fellow conservationists.”
In recognition of her three decades of courageous journalism, and making the pictures that tell the story of our planet, we are honored to present Cristina Mittermeier with this year’s Seattle Aquarium Sylvia Earle Medal.
A marine biologist and activist who pioneered the concept and field of conservation photography, Cristina’s many accomplishments include founding the International League of Conservation Photographers to provide a platform for photographers working on environmental issues and co-founding the nonprofit SeaLegacy, an organization dedicated to the protection of the ocean and which harnesses the power of communications technology to educate and inform the world about the incredible beauty of the ocean, and all of the challenges that it faces in the wake of the climate crisis.
In 2020, on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, Cristina announced the most ambitious project of her career: Only One, a new collective of organizations that uses digital technology and visual storytelling to catalyze lasting cultural change, with the ultimate goal of conserving the world’s oceans from now into perpetuity. She is a Sony Artisan of Imagery and was named one of National Geographic’s Adventurers of the Year in 2018, among many other awards.
Although we can’t honor Cristina’s tremendous achievements at our annual Ocean Conservation Honors event, we can share this Q&A—which Cristina generously participated in from on board the SeaLegacy1 in the beautiful waters of the Bahamas.
Q: Art and science can sometimes be seen as polar opposites, but in your work they go hand in hand. How do you weave these two subjects together, and why do you feel it’s effective?
A: For me, art and science very much go hand in hand. I work hard to ensure my images are artistic and beautiful, and I use my scientific knowledge to inform how they are presented to my audience. Every image is an opportunity to tell a story that educates, inspires, amuses and brings people closer to the imperative of protecting our only home.
Q: What keeps you doing the work you do?
A: The knowledge that there is no other choice. Climate change is one of many crises affecting the natural world. I still don’t see the urgent recognition of the need to act swiftly to avoid even more severe planetary consequences.
Q: What impact do you hope to make with your work—what legacy would you like to leave?
A: I want to be part of the generation that creates the paradigm shift I have dreamt of for so long. At the end of my life, I want to know that my contributions helped move humanity toward a better understanding of how to live within our planet’s natural boundaries. Our solutions should not be solely technological, they need to be philosophical, and I know that thanks to my work as an artist and influencer I have a role to play in socializing those ideas.
Q: You practice a principle called “enoughness,” which you’ve said has to do with taking only what you need and using everything that you take, knowing that doing so will allow others to also have enough. Can you describe some of the ways you use “enoughness” in your daily life?
A: That’s easy. Just like I practice yoga and fiscal discipline, I practice enoughness. All that is needed is to ask the question, “How much is enough for me? Do I really need more of X or Y to feel fulfilled and happy? Am I consuming mindlessly, or are my choices thoughtful and considerate?” Enoughness is a personal choice we all can make every day.
Q: You’ve traveled and photographed all over the world. What stands out to you about the waters and animals of the Pacific Northwest?
A: The Pacific Northwest is one of the most abundant and beautiful seascapes in the world. It is not just the ocean, but the menagerie of amazing wildlife that use the water and the land, and the unique relationship that First Nations and Indigenous communities have had with that landscape for thousands of years.
Q: What messages do you aim to send with your work, and what actions do you hope to inspire?
A: I recognize that as more and more people become aware of the perilous situation humanity faces if we continue down the same path, the feeling of guilt and powerlessness can be paralyzing. I have tried to find ways to help people feel like they are invited and welcome to be part of the solutions. By attaching easy actions to every piece of content we produce and publish in our activation platform, Only One, we make it easy and fun for people to help create solutions. We all can be part of making this a better planet.
