Summary of the Article
The article reflects on the legacy of Sebastião Salgado, a renowned Brazilian photographer who passed away in 2025. His work highlights the intersection of humanity and environmental issues, capturing the beauty of life while also addressing the brutality of capitalism’s impact on both people and nature. It emphasizes the need for action against environmental destruction rather than passive observation.
The text critiques capitalism as a primary driver of the ongoing environmental crisis, which threatens the planet through climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. International bodies have made attempts to address these issues, but often within the confines of capitalist frameworks that fail to resolve root problems. This systemic approach has resulted in a disproportionate impact on the poor, who suffer the most from environmental disasters.
Key themes include the class character of the environmental crisis, with the wealthiest contributing the most to greenhouse gas emissions, and the ongoing exploitation of natural resources by transnational corporations. The article calls for a shift in the environmental discourse, emphasizing that effective solutions must emerge from outside the capitalist system, integrating voices from marginalized communities, particularly in the Global South.
It also discusses alternative frameworks such as ecosocialism and the concept of “buen vivir,” advocating for holistic, community-centered approaches to ecological and social justice. The article concludes with an agenda for action that includes legal, policy, and grassroots strategies aimed at addressing the climate crisis effectively, underscoring the interconnectedness of social and environmental issues.
