Adeyefa Temitope Peter is a Nigeria-based photographer and Climate Justice advocate who has been using his photography work to showcase the effects of climate crisis in communities around Nigeria, and call for actions to fight the menace. In this interview, he shares with us, his Climate Photography journey and his passion for climate issues.
Thank you for taking the time to talk to us. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I am Adeyefa Temitope Peter, a documentary photographer and a visual storyteller, who is passionate about telling cultural stories, human angle stories and stories on climate change through the lens of my camera.
What can you tell us about your Climate Photography project, and what messages do you want to pass with your work?
It is often said that a picture is worth more than a thousand words. Photographs have the power to evoke people’s emotions and influence them to take actions. Words may not communicate the impacts of climate change the way pictures will do. This explains why I ventured into Climate photography to draw attention to impacts of climate change in communities across Nigeria. I started this project less than a year ago and I have visited quite a number of communities to take pictures revealing the devastating impacts of climate crisis.
The last community I visited is the Kugbanre community (Mahin kingdom) in Ilaje local government area of Ondo state, Southwest Nigeria. The people of this community lack access to clean water as their water sources have been affected by crude oil exploration in the area. So, I was in this community to show how they have been living with this challenge for years. The condition of their water sources has affected their wellbeing, and even their commercial activities.
Why are you passionate about Climate issues?
I am passionate about climate change because it’s an issue that affects everyone, and it’s important we take actions to protect our environment. Small changes in our daily lives can make a big difference. Taking actions, no matter how little in our corners can contribute to combating climate disaster.
What are the challenges you have faced since you started this project?
Climate photography can be demanding and energy sapping. A lot also goes into planning some of my trips to communities. Ensuring your safety could also be a challenge especially if you don’t really the environment you are visiting. Lack of finance to fund my researches and trips is also a challenge.
Why do you think it is important for people to take actions to address Climate change impacts?
Climate change affects everyone and everything on the planet. It is important for people to take action to address climate change impacts to protect the environment, preserve natural resources, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
