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The 5-minute Interview: Mattias Klum, Photographer

'Our society must work with nature'

Tuesday 09 October 2007 19:00 EDT
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Klum, 39, who was born in Switzerland, has been photographing nature for 20 years. He has published nine books and his work has won numerous honours, including a Swedish national medal. His latest book, 'Being There', is out now

If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be...

Working on film project about the Baltic Sea.

A common misperception of me is...

Some people think I'm an adventurer but I'm not in this for kicks. I go to these environments to come back with moving stories.

I wish people would take more notice...

That our economic and social system needs to work with nature, for our own well-being, not just for the sake of cute animals.

The most surprising thing that happened to me...

Was receiving a medal from the King of Sweden, but my job is constantly surprising me.

I am not a politician but...

I would legislate for environmental issues. It's crucial that we act now, so I would speed it up.

A phrase I use too often...

I use "fantastic" a lot.

I'm good at...

Making people enthusiastic about goals, and, hopefully, at photography.

I'm very bad at...

Being self-content. I'm quick to find problems.

In another life I'd have been...

A scientist or a drummer.

The best age to be is...

Thirty-nine is perfect. Life gets better and better.

My philosophy is...

We need to care for our environment and create conditions for a sustainable future.

Alice-Azania Jarvis

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