“I am delighted to join UNEP in it's mobilization with citizens, governments and companies for the protection of the environment, for we have the duty to act here and now for the planet and inhabitants.”
Yann Arthus-Bertrand’s striking aerial photos and videos have caught the attention of millions, awakening them to the beauty of our planet and the need to sustain it. In addition to his photographic endeavours, he began a non-profit organization, GoodPlanet, which helps educate the public on ways of leading a more environmentally responsible life.
Yann always had a passion for nature and, at the age of 30, he moved to Kenya with his wife, Anne, to study the behaviour of lions in the Masaai Mara Reserve. While there the budding photographer discovered a unique way of capturing the stunning landscapes – flying miles above the earth in a hot air balloon.
Years later in 2000, Yann entered the public limelight, following a large-scale art exhibition titled "Earth from Above". Premiering in Paris, the exhibition quickly became a global sensation and traveled to cities around the world to reach over 130 million visitors by 2008. The exhibition aimed to inspire people to think globally about sustainable living while admiring images that show our planet in its fragile and stunning splendor. To date, the book has sold millions of copies in over 21 languages.
By 2005, Yann created the association GoodPlanet, an international NGO that helps to educate about sustainable development.
In the 2009 World Environment Day (June 5), Yann released his film “Home” in which he takes the audience on a unique journey all around the planet. His film provokes viewers to contemplate and understand how the marks we leave behind are having a negative impact on our well being. The film’s stunning, aerial footage calls for a new awareness from viewers who observe the planet from the air, and see the world in a whole new light. “Home” premiered and was distributed entirely for free with no copyright costs; it has shown in 108 countries to date.
Yann’s 'Vu du Ciel' is a documentary series broadcast on French TV station France 2. The programme is filmed on High Definition video and uses investigative journalism to document environmental degradation around the globe. In addition, the show celebrates scientists, environmentalists and members of the public who are engaged in the fight to save our planet.
Yann launched his latest project, “6 Billion Others” in 2003 with Sybille d’Orgeval and Baptiste Rouget-Luchaire. During the project, six directors filmed 5,000 interviews in 75 countries while attempting to capture the word of mankind. From a Brazilian fisherman to a Chinese shopkeeper, from a German performer to an Afghan farmer, all answered the same questions about their fears, dreams, ordeals, hopes. Yann and GoodPlanet will be offering free screenings of “6 Billion Others” during the UN climate conference in Copenhagen in December 2009.
