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.
Join contributing photographers to the VII Foundation Ilvy Njiokiktjien, Ed Kashi, and Leonardo Carrato, alongside curator Yasemin Elçi and photographers Paolo Verzone and Tace Stevens, as they discuss their contributions to this project.
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).
