Photog behind viral image of starving polar bear raises questions about climate change narrative[tr]

FoxNews.com ^ | July 28, 2018 | Paulina Dedaj

[ETL]

Photographer behind viral image of starving polar bear raises questions about climate change narrative

-snip-

In an article for the August issue of National Geographic titled “Starving-Polar-Bear Photographer Recalls What Went Wrong,” Cristina Mittermeier talks about the intended message of the image versus the message that was received.

“We had lost control of the narrative,” she said.

“Photographer Paul Nicklen and I are on a mission to capture images that communicate the urgency of climate change. Documenting its effects on wildlife hasn’t been easy,” she wrote in the article.

“With this image, we thought we had found a way to help people imagine what the future of climate change might look like. We were, perhaps, naive. The picture went viral — and people took it literally.”

The image she is referencing shows an emaciated polar bear with hardly any fur covering its bony frame. In a video that was also taken of the bear, it can be seen slowly moving through the terrain, rummaging through an empty can.

Mittermeier goes on to say that it was the language put out by the publication that led to the message being misconstrued.

“The first line of the National Geographic video said, ‘This is what climate change looks like’ — with ‘climate change’ then highlighted in the brand’s distinctive yellow.”

She estimated that 2.5 billion people saw the footage: “It became the most viewed video on National Geographic’s website — ever,” she said.

From there, social media and news outlets erupted over the message that was being portrayed.

[Spok]

I expect that nearly all apex predators die from starvation. An injury or age related infirmity is a death sentnce.

[Lean-Right]

The bears left leg/paw looks to be
damaged, and swollen. This is
probably the reason for his emancipated
state. Those that took the photos know
the true story.

[depressed in 06]

Why did they not throw the girl to the starving bear?

[Lean-Right]

She was probably just as skinny as
the bear is.