Edward Burtynsky's photos are stunning — but do they move people to take environmental action?

Canada's Edward Burtynsky says a new career retrospective in London, England, reflects his urgency to show the world how we've despoiled the planet. But some environmental campaigners say it's not enough to move people to action.

Edward Burtynsky's photos are stunning — but do they move people to take environmental action?
This photograph, taken by Burtynsky in 2018, showcases a tailings pond at the Wesselton Diamond Mine in Kimberley, South Africa, nicknamed "Diamond City." The conveyor belt featured in the centre is guiding the kimberlite tailings (waste material from diamond mining) into a waste pond.

Canada's Edward Burtynsky says a new career retrospective in London, England, reflects his urgency to show the world how we've despoiled the planet. But some environmental campaigners say it's not enough to move people to action.