Climate Elders Exhibition to Open During COP30 in Belém, Brazil

Global photography project spotlights the voices and portraits of older people living on the frontlines of climate change

During the COP30 United Nations Climate Change Conference, Climate Elders — a global photography exhibition created by 1in6by2030 in partnership with HelpAge International — will open at Galeria Fidanza in the Museum of Sacred Art (Museu de Arte Sacra do Pará), located within the historic St. Alexander Church complex in Belém’s Cidade Velha district.

The exhibition will be on view from November 7 to December 31, 2025, with an opening reception on November 7 from 18:00–19:00.

Bringing together the work of photographers from over 21 countries, Climate Elders reveals the lived experiences of older people whose lives and livelihoods are being reshaped by the climate crisis. Each portrait is accompanied by a personal message addressed to world leaders — intimate reflections that underscore a shared plea for urgency, dignity, and inclusion in global climate policy.

Climate Elders was curated by Yasemin Elci and organized by Leonardo Carrato. The exhibition will also feature two guided tours:

• November 8 at 15:00, led by Yasemin Elci and Leonardo Carrato
• November 15 at 15:00, led by Leonardo Carrato

Following its run at the Museum of Sacred Art, Climate Elders will be donated to the museum.

About 1in6by2030

Climate Elders is a part of 1in6by2030, a global collaborative project that brings together photographers from around the world to put a human face on one of the most important “statistics” of our time — the fact that by the year 2030, 1 in 6 people in the world will be over the age of 60. This is a historic moment for the world — one filled with challenges and also huge potential — as individuals, societies and governments confront one of the most fundamental population shifts in human history.

In the seven years leading up to 2030, photographers worldwide will show us the dynamic range of our elders as they face the uncharted territory of the 21st century. The project will feature a series of photo essays that bring these issues to life from photographers working in their own communities around the world.

1in6by2030 was created by VII Photographers Ed Kashi, Ilvy Njiokiktjien, and Sara Terry. Kashi, Njiokiktjien, and Terry designed 1in6by2030 as a collaborative project to emphasize diversity, local representation, cost effectiveness and mindfulness about the impact of travel on the earth’s climate.

This project is dedicated to the loving memory of Sara Terry (1955-2025).

Exhibition Details

Climate Elders
Galeria Fidanza, Museu de Arte Sacra do Pará
Frei Brandão Square, s/n – Cidade Velha, Belém – PA, 66020-240, Brazil
November 7 – December 31, 2025

*Opening Reception: November 7, 18:00–22:00.
*Guided Tours: November 8 & November 15 at 15:00.

Featured Photographers: Amber Bracken, Ana Caroline de Lima, Aron Simeneh, Bektur Zhanibekov, Cynthia Matonhodze, Debsuddha, Ed Kashi, Francisco Vigo, Ilvy Njiokiktjien, Jan Guth, Jannatul Mawa, Jittrapon Kaicome, Lê Xuân Phong, Leonardo Carrato, Light Oriye, M’hammed Kilito, Matias Bercovich, Nadia Bseiso, Paolo Verzone, Sara Terry, Tace Stevens, Thomas Byczkowski

Supporters

This exhibition is made possible with the support of The VII Foundation, HelpAge International, Thomas M. Neff, Sistema Integrado de Museus e Memoriais (SIMM), and Secretaria de Cultura do Governo do Pará (Secult).