The world's natural habitats are facing an uncertain future, with the possibility of becoming devoid of wild animals, warns nature photographer Margot Raggett. Despite her decade-long efforts to raise funds for conservation, Raggett expresses concern over the recent setbacks in environmental policies and the potential impact on wildlife. Her annual picture book series, Remembering Wildlife, has raised over £1.2 million for conservation, but the progress made in tackling the climate crisis has been reversed under the leadership of Donald Trump and the UK's political parties. Raggett highlights the importance of nature and the need to protect it, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living beings. She introduces a new publication, Ten Years of Remembering Wildlife, featuring altered images of animals in their natural habitats, to illustrate the potential consequences of inaction. The series aims to provoke thought and action, reminding people of the urgent need to preserve wildlife. Raggett also expresses worry about the UK government's plans for accelerated housebuilding, advocating for a 'massive pause' to prioritize the development of brownfield sites and protect the remaining countryside. She draws inspiration from her encounter with a poisoned elephant in Kenya and the ongoing challenges posed by illegal poaching, particularly in South Africa and Asia. Raggett emphasizes the importance of addressing the demand for poaching products in traditional medicines to combat this issue effectively.
