Photographer Sebastião Salgado Steps Down from Magnum After Decades of Documenting Environmental Devastation in Brazil and Africa
Published on 5.26.25
Sebastião Salgado Steps Down
Salgado's decision to retire from working in hostile environments marks the end of an era for the Magnum photo agency, which he joined in 1979 after documenting drought and famine in countries like Niger and Ethiopia. This decision comes as a testament to his dedication to climate activism and his commitment to prioritizing his own well-being.
Salgado's work has been a powerful critique of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's deforestation efforts, and his founding of Instituto Terra, which aims to revive forests in his home state of Minas Gerais with the help of over 3,000 landowners. His photographs have documented the devastating effects of conflict and environmental degradation, but also celebrated the beauty of nature.
As a student of economics who fled Brazil's military dictatorship in the 1960s, Salgado brings a unique perspective to his work, one that is deeply informed by his personal experiences.