In a world where the impacts of climate change often feel remote, isolated in numbers and statistics, the power of storytelling becomes crucial in bridging the gap between awareness and action. This year, FCE Projects is proud to announce its sponsorship of local conservation photographer, Sophia Polson, in support of her upcoming project, “The Frontline.” This initiative, in collaboration with the International Conservation Funds of Canada (ICFC) and The Kayapo Project, will take Sophia to the heart of the Brazilian Amazon rainforest, where she will document the Kayapo indigenous peoples—communities living on the frontline of climate change.
Sophia Polson, a passionate advocate for the environment and social justice, approached FCE Projects with a vision that immediately resonated with the company’s core values. Her goal: to raise awareness and educate the public about the Kayapo, whose land lies at the southeastern edge of the Amazon—one of the planet’s last bastions of biodiversity and a critical element in the fight against global climate change. Understanding the importance of this work, FCE Projects agreed to sponsor her endeavour, providing the seed funds necessary to bring this powerful story to life.
A Crucial Battleground for Climate Change
The Amazon rainforest is often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth” for its critical role in absorbing and storing carbon dioxide, a key factor in regulating the global climate. However, this vital ecosystem is under threat from deforestation, illegal logging, and agricultural expansion. The loss of the Amazon would not only accelerate climate change but also endanger countless species and disrupt the lives of indigenous peoples who have lived in harmony with the forest for generations. Among these indigenous groups, the Kayapo people stand as guardians of an expansive and pristine section of the Amazon. Their territory, rich in biodiversity, serves as a haven for many of the world’s most sensitive and endangered species. The Kayapo’s stewardship of their land is a testament to their deep connection with nature and their unwavering commitment to preserving their ancestral home.
“Climate change is often portrayed through data, which can feel disconnected from our everyday lives,” says Sophia. “I hope that sharing the stories behind the statistics can humanise the issue and make it more relatable. For the Kayapo, whose way of life and environment face increasing threats, photography becomes a powerful tool to make their challenges visible to the world.”
Looking Ahead
Sophia has now returned from her journey to the Amazon, and FCE Projects looks forward to the impact her work will have in raising awareness and driving action on critical environmental and social issues. The company is honoured to play a part in bringing these important stories to light and remains committed to supporting initiatives that align with its mission of creating a more sustainable and equitable world.
“Climate change is often portrayed through data, which can feel disconnected from our everyday lives. I hope that sharing the stories behind the statistics can humanise the issue of climate change and make it more relatable. For the Kayapo, whose way of life and environment face increasing threats, photography becomes a powerful tool to make their challenges visible to the world.”
– Sophia Polson, Conservation Photographer
