a thermal image of a tree without leaves

Let’s not waste this crucial moment: We need to stop abusing the planet

By making us more aware of the nature around us, COVID-19 lockdowns could inspire us to fight back against climate disaster.

Nature, enduring: Bristlecone pines in eastern California can live 4,000 years or more.

Published October 13, 2020

25 min read

This story appears in the November 2020 issue of National Geographic magazine.

How these images were made: John Chiara built a large camera obscura, mounted it on a trailer, and drove it to various locations. It makes negative images directly on color negative paper.

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Let’s not waste this crucial moment: We need to stop abusing the planet

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