What Matters Most

If the multitude of news reports, pictures, graphics, and videos of Arctic and Antarctic ice melting faster than ever before is not enough proof, here's a book of photo essays, What Matters, which looks at 18 different environmental, economic and other issues. It is edited by David Elliot Cohen, co-creator of the renowned Day the the Life and America 24/7 series of photojournalism best sellers.

The website is great as it has a free online version of the book. Also, some pictures from the book in this article in Vanity Fair. Also, just 5 pictures through SFGate but each with a strong message.

But if you are amongst the few to whom words say more than pictures, then this review at the Library Journal best sums up what the book is about:

"Those doubting the power of photojournalism to sway opinion and encourage action would do well to spend some time with this book. In 18 stories, with photos by leading photojournalists, elucidated by short essays by public intellectuals and journalists, this book explores environmental devastation, war, disease, and the ravages of poverty and great wealth. The photos are specific and personal and demonstrate how great photography can illuminate the universal by depicting the specific. Cohen has a goal beyond simply showcasing terrific photography. In his thoughtful introduction, he makes explicit his aim to connect the work compiled here with the great tradition of muckraking photography that helped to change conditions at the turn of the last century. A terrific concluding chapter directs readers to specific actions they can take if they are moved to do so, and it’s hard to imagine the reader who would not be moved. Highly recommended."

More power to Cohen and others like him that through words, pictures, and their efforts spread awareness about environment as well as other looming disasters that threaten mankind in various parts of the world.