Images that Influence Our Climate Future

For decades, renowned National Geographic photographer Jason Edwards has documented both the breathtaking beuaty of the natural world and the urgent threats it faces. His photography illustrates the unique power of still imagery to shape narratives, inspire communities, and even influence policy. In this special event, Edwards will explain how visual storytelling from the frontlines of the climate crisis can spark action. He will also discuss the future of his craft given the rise and reach of artificial intelligence.

Beyond the images themselves, Edwards will share the adventures, challenges, and insights that lie behind the lens, offering a rare glimpse into what it takes to capture the shot that just might change the world.

Join Perry World House for this special event, to be moderated by Dr. Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw, Inaugural Faculty Director of Penn's Arthur Ross Gallery.

National Geographic’s Jason Edwards has been at the forefront of natural history photography for more than three decades. His image portfolio ranks among the largest of any photographer in the Society’s long history. Based in Melbourne Australia, a passion for wildlife and the environment has been with him over his extensive career that began as a zookeeper at the Zoological Board of Victoria. Jason has since been recognized globally for his contributions to Science, the Environment, and the Arts. Jason is the author and photographer of ‘Icebergs to Iguanas’ a large format series of books illustrating his National Geographic imagery. He also authored and photographed science education books for the children’s education market, and his imagery has appeared on everything from environmental campaigns to Hollywood blockbusters. As a leader and mentor, Jason has worked with photographers of all levels, instructing them in the art of storytelling and how to find and translate images. He has spent years providing rich and entertaining experiences; working in partnership with organizations and individuals; guiding participants both on private expeditions and as one of National Geographic’s most sought experts. For Jason Edward’s full bio and list of awards and recognition, please click here.

Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw is the James and Nan Wagner Farquhar Professor in the Department of the History of Art and the inaugural faculty director of the Arthur Ross Gallery at the University of Pennsylvania. Her research focuses on portraiture and issues of representation in the American context. She has previously served on the faculty of Harvard University and as the Director of Research, Publications, and Scholarly Programs at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. In addition to her books, The Art of Remembering, Essays on African American Art and History, (Duke: 2024), Seeing the Unspeakable: The Art of Kara Walker (Duke: 2004) and First Ladies of the United States (Smithsonian: 2020), she has also curated numerous exhibitions, including "Portraits of a People: Picturing African Americans in the Nineteenth Century" (2006), "Represent: 200 Years of African American Art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art" (2015), "I Dream a World: Selections from Brian Lanker’s Portraits of Remarkable Black Women," at the National Portrait Gallery (2021-23), and "After Modernism: Selections from the Neumann Family Collection,” at the Arthur Ross Gallery (2025). For Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw’s full bio and list of awards and recognitions, please click here.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Perry World House, 3803 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, United States