Images of Kiribati show what might be lost

PARIS – Photographs portraying what life is like for the people of Kiribati were exhibited in Paris during the UN climate conference.

The Australians behind the project, Heath Campbell and Darren James, say their aim was to reveal what was at stake in the international negotiations.

James told the ABC that what he saw in Kiribati brought an unexpected surprise.

“We really wanted people to see our photographs and really realise that these people look like this right now – they have lives, they’re doing their best. This is exactly as they look, and this is potentially what could be lost.

“They’re not really at crisis point now. But, if we don’t do something, they will be.

“A few people have said to me, ‘why didn’t you get them to look unhappy?’ I’m there to document what I see.

They’re a really happy people. That comes through. They don’t dwell on negativity. I was a bit surprised by the lack of worry.

“These people are living with the very real threat that in a generation or two they may not be able to live there.

“Our point was not to show photographs of people up to their ankles in front of their houses at king tide – we really wanted to show what could potentially be lost.

“There’s a definite sense that they are relying on us from the developed world to do something, to be responsible, to take note, to be aware and not forget them.” - ABC