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  • Quinnie Richmond holds an old photo of herself inside her home in Lindytown, West Virginia. Lindytown was once home to dozens of families, many with roots dating back generations. In 2008, residents started moving away because of a nearby mine. Today, only one original family remains: Quinnie Richmond and her son, Roger. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. © Ami Vitale
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  • Dr. Bhaskar Choudhury and his collegues work with elephants who have been abandoned during drives to get herds from rampaging through villages at a rescue center near the Kazaringa National Park in Assam, India January 5, 2003.(Ami Vitale)
    Elephants058.jpg
  • KOLHAPUR, INDIA - MARCH 22: Indian men practice the three thousand year old sport known as "Kushti", a form of wrestling, in its traditional form at the fight club Shahupuri in Kolhapur, India.  In this south-eastern Indian city Kushti has a long tradition. It used to be supported by local maharajas and is financed by the government. But its days are numbered. Last year, the Indian Fighters Federation in the capital of New Delhi stunned thousands of fighters when it announced prohibition of fighting on red soil and ordered fight clubs to buy mattresses for their arenas. Ending the traditional red clay wrestling was an idea sprouted from the aspiration to achieve more Olympic medals since the last and only medal India brought home in wrestling was a bronze in 1952. So far no one here in Kolhapur is buying the mattresses and instead they continue the rigorous schedule of waking up at 3:30am six times a week and practicing more than 6 hours every day. They live together in one small room above the arena and their only belongings are a blanket, a few items of clothes and some books about the art of Kushti. They have been compared to holy men because of their celibacy and dedication and they practice exercises like standing on one's head for lengths of time to expel "filthy" thoughts. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Wrestling173.jpg
  • KOLHAPUR, INDIA - MARCH 22: Indian men practice the three thousand year old sport known as "Kushti", a form of wrestling, in its traditional form at the fight club Shahupuri in Kolhapur, India.  In this south-eastern Indian city Kushti has a long tradition. It used to be supported by local maharajas and is financed by the government. But its days are numbered. Last year, the Indian Fighters Federation in the capital of New Delhi stunned thousands of fighters when it announced prohibition of fighting on red soil and ordered fight clubs to buy mattresses for their arenas. Ending the traditional red clay wrestling was an idea sprouted from the aspiration to achieve more Olympic medals since the last and only medal India brought home in wrestling was a bronze in 1952. So far no one here in Kolhapur is buying the mattresses and instead they continue the rigorous schedule of waking up at 3:30am six times a week and practicing more than 6 hours every day. They live together in one small room above the arena and their only belongings are a blanket, a few items of clothes and some books about the art of Kushti. They have been compared to holy men because of their celibacy and dedication and they practice exercises like standing on one's head for lengths of time to expel "filthy" thoughts. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Wrestling156.tif
  • KOLHAPUR, INDIA - MARCH 22: Indian men practice the three thousand year old sport known as "Kushti", a form of wrestling, in its traditional form at the fight club Shahupuri in Kolhapur, India.  In this south-eastern Indian city Kushti has a long tradition. It used to be supported by local maharajas and is financed by the government. But its days are numbered. Last year, the Indian Fighters Federation in the capital of New Delhi stunned thousands of fighters when it announced prohibition of fighting on red soil and ordered fight clubs to buy mattresses for their arenas. Ending the traditional red clay wrestling was an idea sprouted from the aspiration to achieve more Olympic medals since the last and only medal India brought home in wrestling was a bronze in 1952. So far no one here in Kolhapur is buying the mattresses and instead they continue the rigorous schedule of waking up at 3:30am six times a week and practicing more than 6 hours every day. They live together in one small room above the arena and their only belongings are a blanket, a few items of clothes and some books about the art of Kushti. They have been compared to holy men because of their celibacy and dedication and they practice exercises like standing on one's head for lengths of time to expel "filthy" thoughts. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Wrestling092.jpg
  • KOLHAPUR, INDIA - MARCH 22: Indian men practice the three thousand year old sport known as "Kushti", a form of wrestling, in its traditional form at the fight club Shahupuri in Kolhapur, India.  In this south-eastern Indian city Kushti has a long tradition. It used to be supported by local maharajas and is financed by the government. But its days are numbered. Last year, the Indian Fighters Federation in the capital of New Delhi stunned thousands of fighters when it announced prohibition of fighting on red soil and ordered fight clubs to buy mattresses for their arenas. Ending the traditional red clay wrestling was an idea sprouted from the aspiration to achieve more Olympic medals since the last and only medal India brought home in wrestling was a bronze in 1952. So far no one here in Kolhapur is buying the mattresses and instead they continue the rigorous schedule of waking up at 3:30am six times a week and practicing more than 6 hours every day. They live together in one small room above the arena and their only belongings are a blanket, a few items of clothes and some books about the art of Kushti. They have been compared to holy men because of their celibacy and dedication and they practice exercises like standing on one's head for lengths of time to expel "filthy" thoughts. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Wrestling072.jpg
  • KOLHAPUR, INDIA - MARCH 22: Indian men practice the three thousand year old sport known as "Kushti", a form of wrestling, in its traditional form at the fight club Shahupuri in Kolhapur, India.  In this south-eastern Indian city Kushti has a long tradition. It used to be supported by local maharajas and is financed by the government. But its days are numbered. Last year, the Indian Fighters Federation in the capital of New Delhi stunned thousands of fighters when it announced prohibition of fighting on red soil and ordered fight clubs to buy mattresses for their arenas. Ending the traditional red clay wrestling was an idea sprouted from the aspiration to achieve more Olympic medals since the last and only medal India brought home in wrestling was a bronze in 1952. So far no one here in Kolhapur is buying the mattresses and instead they continue the rigorous schedule of waking up at 3:30am six times a week and practicing more than 6 hours every day. They live together in one small room above the arena and their only belongings are a blanket, a few items of clothes and some books about the art of Kushti. They have been compared to holy men because of their celibacy and dedication and they practice exercises like standing on one's head for lengths of time to expel "filthy" thoughts. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Wrestling066.jpg
  • KOLHAPUR, INDIA - MARCH 22: Indian men practice the three thousand year old sport known as "Kushti", a form of wrestling, in its traditional form at the fight club Shahupuri in Kolhapur, India.  In this south-eastern Indian city Kushti has a long tradition. It used to be supported by local maharajas and is financed by the government. But its days are numbered. Last year, the Indian Fighters Federation in the capital of New Delhi stunned thousands of fighters when it announced prohibition of fighting on red soil and ordered fight clubs to buy mattresses for their arenas. Ending the traditional red clay wrestling was an idea sprouted from the aspiration to achieve more Olympic medals since the last and only medal India brought home in wrestling was a bronze in 1952. So far no one here in Kolhapur is buying the mattresses and instead they continue the rigorous schedule of waking up at 3:30am six times a week and practicing more than 6 hours every day. They live together in one small room above the arena and their only belongings are a blanket, a few items of clothes and some books about the art of Kushti. They have been compared to holy men because of their celibacy and dedication and they practice exercises like standing on one's head for lengths of time to expel "filthy" thoughts. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Wrestling047.jpg
  • KOLHAPUR, INDIA - MARCH 22: Indian men practice the three thousand year old sport known as "Kushti", a form of wrestling, in its traditional form at the fight club Shahupuri in Kolhapur, India.  In this south-eastern Indian city Kushti has a long tradition. It used to be supported by local maharajas and is financed by the government. But its days are numbered. Last year, the Indian Fighters Federation in the capital of New Delhi stunned thousands of fighters when it announced prohibition of fighting on red soil and ordered fight clubs to buy mattresses for their arenas. Ending the traditional red clay wrestling was an idea sprouted from the aspiration to achieve more Olympic medals since the last and only medal India brought home in wrestling was a bronze in 1952. So far no one here in Kolhapur is buying the mattresses and instead they continue the rigorous schedule of waking up at 3:30am six times a week and practicing more than 6 hours every day. They live together in one small room above the arena and their only belongings are a blanket, a few items of clothes and some books about the art of Kushti. They have been compared to holy men because of their celibacy and dedication and they practice exercises like standing on one's head for lengths of time to expel "filthy" thoughts. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Wrestling028.jpg
  • KOLHAPUR, INDIA - MARCH 22: Indian men practice the three thousand year old sport known as "Kushti", a form of wrestling, in its traditional form at the fight club Shahupuri in Kolhapur, India.  In this south-eastern Indian city Kushti has a long tradition. It used to be supported by local maharajas and is financed by the government. But its days are numbered. Last year, the Indian Fighters Federation in the capital of New Delhi stunned thousands of fighters when it announced prohibition of fighting on red soil and ordered fight clubs to buy mattresses for their arenas. Ending the traditional red clay wrestling was an idea sprouted from the aspiration to achieve more Olympic medals since the last and only medal India brought home in wrestling was a bronze in 1952. So far no one here in Kolhapur is buying the mattresses and instead they continue the rigorous schedule of waking up at 3:30am six times a week and practicing more than 6 hours every day. They live together in one small room above the arena and their only belongings are a blanket, a few items of clothes and some books about the art of Kushti. They have been compared to holy men because of their celibacy and dedication and they practice exercises like standing on one's head for lengths of time to expel "filthy" thoughts. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Wrestling016.jpg
  • KOLHAPUR, INDIA - MARCH 22: Indian men practice the three thousand year old sport known as "Kushti", a form of wrestling, in its traditional form at the fight club Shahupuri in Kolhapur, India.  In this south-eastern Indian city Kushti has a long tradition. It used to be supported by local maharajas and is financed by the government. But its days are numbered. Last year, the Indian Fighters Federation in the capital of New Delhi stunned thousands of fighters when it announced prohibition of fighting on red soil and ordered fight clubs to buy mattresses for their arenas. Ending the traditional red clay wrestling was an idea sprouted from the aspiration to achieve more Olympic medals since the last and only medal India brought home in wrestling was a bronze in 1952. So far no one here in Kolhapur is buying the mattresses and instead they continue the rigorous schedule of waking up at 3:30am six times a week and practicing more than 6 hours every day. They live together in one small room above the arena and their only belongings are a blanket, a few items of clothes and some books about the art of Kushti. They have been compared to holy men because of their celibacy and dedication and they practice exercises like standing on one's head for lengths of time to expel "filthy" thoughts. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Wrestling011.jpg
  • Two and a half-year-old Shuma Bibi sits with her aunt in a make shift refugee camp after they fled their village of Laliyal which was on the International Border between Pakistan and India. Indian and Pakistani troops continue to exchange heavy mortar, artillery and machine-gun fire along the line that divides Kashmir between them and have a million troops amassed along the border.
    097.jpg
  • KOLHAPUR, INDIA - MARCH 22: Indian men practice the three thousand year old sport known as "Kushti", a form of wrestling, in its traditional form at the fight club Shahupuri in Kolhapur, India.  In this south-eastern Indian city Kushti has a long tradition. It used to be supported by local maharajas and is financed by the government. But its days are numbered. Last year, the Indian Fighters Federation in the capital of New Delhi stunned thousands of fighters when it announced prohibition of fighting on red soil and ordered fight clubs to buy mattresses for their arenas. Ending the traditional red clay wrestling was an idea sprouted from the aspiration to achieve more Olympic medals since the last and only medal India brought home in wrestling was a bronze in 1952. So far no one here in Kolhapur is buying the mattresses and instead they continue the rigorous schedule of waking up at 3:30am six times a week and practicing more than 6 hours every day. They live together in one small room above the arena and their only belongings are a blanket, a few items of clothes and some books about the art of Kushti. They have been compared to holy men because of their celibacy and dedication and they practice exercises like standing on one's head for lengths of time to expel "filthy" thoughts. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Wreslting157.tif
  • KOLHAPUR, INDIA - MARCH 22: Indian men practice the three thousand year old sport known as "Kushti", a form of wrestling, in its traditional form at the fight club Shahupuri in Kolhapur, India.  In this south-eastern Indian city Kushti has a long tradition. It used to be supported by local maharajas and is financed by the government. But its days are numbered. Last year, the Indian Fighters Federation in the capital of New Delhi stunned thousands of fighters when it announced prohibition of fighting on red soil and ordered fight clubs to buy mattresses for their arenas. Ending the traditional red clay wrestling was an idea sprouted from the aspiration to achieve more Olympic medals since the last and only medal India brought home in wrestling was a bronze in 1952. So far no one here in Kolhapur is buying the mattresses and instead they continue the rigorous schedule of waking up at 3:30am six times a week and practicing more than 6 hours every day. They live together in one small room above the arena and their only belongings are a blanket, a few items of clothes and some books about the art of Kushti. They have been compared to holy men because of their celibacy and dedication and they practice exercises like standing on one's head for lengths of time to expel "filthy" thoughts. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Wrestling084.jpg
  • KOLHAPUR, INDIA - MARCH 22: Indian men practice the three thousand year old sport known as "Kushti", a form of wrestling, in its traditional form at the fight club Shahupuri in Kolhapur, India.  In this south-eastern Indian city Kushti has a long tradition. It used to be supported by local maharajas and is financed by the government. But its days are numbered. Last year, the Indian Fighters Federation in the capital of New Delhi stunned thousands of fighters when it announced prohibition of fighting on red soil and ordered fight clubs to buy mattresses for their arenas. Ending the traditional red clay wrestling was an idea sprouted from the aspiration to achieve more Olympic medals since the last and only medal India brought home in wrestling was a bronze in 1952. So far no one here in Kolhapur is buying the mattresses and instead they continue the rigorous schedule of waking up at 3:30am six times a week and practicing more than 6 hours every day. They live together in one small room above the arena and their only belongings are a blanket, a few items of clothes and some books about the art of Kushti. They have been compared to holy men because of their celibacy and dedication and they practice exercises like standing on one's head for lengths of time to expel "filthy" thoughts. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    Wrestling046.jpg
  • The relatives and neighbors of Muzzamil Ahmad, a 19-year-old Muslim, who was killed when he was hit by an Indian security force vehicle move his body from a street in Srinagar, the summer capital of Kashmir.  Nearly 1,000 people blocked traffic, threw stones and shouted anti-India slogans after he was killed.
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  • The relatives and neighbors of Muzzamil Ahmad, a 19-year-old Muslim who was killed when he was hit by an Indian security force vehicle, mourn his death in Srinagar, the summer capital of Kashmir September 28.
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  • Gowindra, 19, has the "thali" a necklance symbolizing her marriage tied around her neck by her husband during the wedding in Nagapattinum district in Tamil Nadu, India  eight months since the deadly tsunami killed thousands August  29, 2005. Both she and her husband's family both lost relatives, their homes and livelihoods in the wave and must live in the temporary shelters after the ceremony. Hundreds of "tsunami weddings" have taken place since December as families received huge amounts of money for their deceased relatives and wished to make allegiances with other families who received money. In India, the girls family must pay a dowry and Gowindra had to pay a staggering 200,000 rupees, nearly $5000 in a community that survives off an average $1 per day. Elaborate and ostentatious wedding functions have become normal fare for those victims of the tsunami who suddenly were given the huge sums of money and alcohol sales have jumped 300 percent.  The recovery process is slow and the situation still grim for many of the worlds poorest who were most affected by the deadly wave.  (Ami Vitale)
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  • Gowindra, 19, prepares for her wedding in Nagapattinum district in Tamil Nadu, India  eight months since the deadly tsunami killed thousands August  29, 2005. Both she and her husband's family both lost relatives, their homes and livelihoods in the wave and must live in the temporary shelters after the ceremony. Hundreds of "tsunami weddings" have taken place since December as families received huge amounts of money for their deceased relatives and wished to make allegiances with other families who received money. In India, the girls family must pay a dowry and Gowindra had to pay a staggering 200,000 rupees, nealry $5000 in a community that survives off an average $1 per day.  The recovery process is slow and the situation still grim for many of the worlds poorest who were most affected by the deadly wave.  (Ami Vitale)
    0030.JPG
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8881.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8855.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8799.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8755.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8753.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8737.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8728.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8717.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8703.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8694.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8689.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8673.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8874.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8850.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8779.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8748.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8740.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8706.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8666.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8665.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8655.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8652.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8649.tiff
  • Victor Medina, shown in New York, NY together with his family was first exposed to nature at age 16, which has dramatically changed his life ambitions. He is currently training to climb the Seven Summits by age 25 - and is getting his urban family involved. He recently climbed the highest peak in the Caribbean with his father and other older family members. .
    DSC_8640.tiff
  • Left to right, the siblings of the Hernandez family stand in front of the Reid Gardner coal plant: Zayda Hernandez, 14,   Ayona Hernandez, 13,Gyiel, 7, Aaliya, 16, and Ayasha, 4 and on the Moapa reservation in Nevada. All of their family suffers from Asthma and though they can't prove it, believe its because of the coal plant next door. Her grandfather died in march because of cancer. The Sierra Club is working with the Moapa Band of Paiutes to transition NV Energy away from the Reid Gardner coal-fired power plant -- which sits only 45 miles from Las Vegas and a short walk from community housing at the Moapa River Indian Reservation. The Reid Gardner coal plant is literally spewing out tons of airborne pollutants such as mercury, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, and greenhouse gases. This has resulted in substantial health impacts on the Moapa community, with a majority of tribal members reporting a sinus or respiratory ailment. Vernon Lee believes that the many people on the Moapa reservation suffering from health issues are because of the coal plant next door. Sierra Club is working with the Moapa Band of Paiutes to transition NV Energy away from the Reid Gardner coal-fired power plant -- which sits only 45 miles from Las Vegas and a short walk from community housing at the Moapa River Indian Reservation. The Reid Gardner coal plant is literally spewing out tons of airborne pollutants such as mercury, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, and greenhouse gases. This has resulted in substantial health impacts on the Moapa community, with a majority of tribal members reporting a sinus or respiratory ailment.
    DSC_4246.jpg
  • Zayda Hernandez, 14, holds her inhaler inside her room next to a portrait of her grandfather who passed away in March, 2012. All of her family suffers from Asthma and though they can't prove it, believe its because of the coal plant next door. Her grandfather died in march because of cancer. The Sierra Club is working with the Moapa Band of Paiutes to transition NV Energy away from the Reid Gardner coal-fired power plant -- which sits only 45 miles from Las Vegas and a short walk from community housing at the Moapa River Indian Reservation. The Reid Gardner coal plant is literally spewing out tons of airborne pollutants such as mercury, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, and greenhouse gases. This has resulted in substantial health impacts on the Moapa community, with a majority of tribal members reporting a sinus or respiratory ailment. Ayona Hernandez, 13, holds her inhaler inside her room next to a portrait of her grandfather who passed away in March, 2012. All of her family suffers from Asthma and though they can't prove it, believe its because of the coal plant next door. Her grandfather died in march because of cancer. The Sierra Club is working with the Moapa Band of Paiutes to transition NV Energy away from the Reid Gardner coal-fired power plant -- which sits only 45 miles from Las Vegas and a short walk from community housing at the Moapa River Indian Reservation. The Reid Gardner coal plant is literally spewing out tons of airborne pollutants such as mercury, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, and greenhouse gases. This has resulted in substantial health impacts on the Moapa community, with a majority of tribal members reporting a sinus or respiratory ailment.
    DSC_3786.jpg
  • Brittany Hildreth holds her niece Mariyah McGhee, 1,  in Detroit, Michigan August 14, 2012.  Her family suffers from Asthma. Da'Sha MIller, 7, sits in church with her family in River Rouge, Detroit,  plant August 12, 2012.
    DSC_8569.jpg
  • Alisha Winters and her family with children Myshelle James, 4, Deborah Smith 5, Jasmine Raley, 11, Jayvon Raley, 11, Robert Conner 3rd, 13, Dante Thomas, 14 and Michael Winters, 15 as well as relatives Nikeya Aaron, 9 and Nicole Aaron outside of DTE coal plant in Detroit, Michigan August 9, 2012.  Her family suffers from Asthma.
    DSC_7354.jpg
  • Alisha Winters and her family with children Myshelle James, 4, Deborah Smith 5, Jasmine Raley, 11, Jayvon Raley, 11, Robert Conner 3rd, 13, Dante Thomas, 14 and Michael Winters, 15 as well as relatives Nikeya Aaron, 9 and Nicole Aaron outside of DTE coal plant in Detroit, Michigan August 9, 2012.  Her family suffers from Asthma.
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  • Zayda Hernandez, 14, holds her inhaler inside her room next to a portrait of her grandfather who passed away in March, 2012. All of her family suffers from Asthma and though they can't prove it, believe its because of the coal plant next door. Her grandfather died in march because of cancer. The Sierra Club is working with the Moapa Band of Paiutes to transition NV Energy away from the Reid Gardner coal-fired power plant -- which sits only 45 miles from Las Vegas and a short walk from community housing at the Moapa River Indian Reservation. The Reid Gardner coal plant is literally spewing out tons of airborne pollutants such as mercury, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, and greenhouse gases. This has resulted in substantial health impacts on the Moapa community, with a majority of tribal members reporting a sinus or respiratory ailment. Ayona Hernandez, 13, holds her inhaler inside her room next to a portrait of her grandfather who passed away in March, 2012. All of her family suffers from Asthma and though they can't prove it, believe its because of the coal plant next door. Her grandfather died in march because of cancer. The Sierra Club is working with the Moapa Band of Paiutes to transition NV Energy away from the Reid Gardner coal-fired power plant -- which sits only 45 miles from Las Vegas and a short walk from community housing at the Moapa River Indian Reservation. The Reid Gardner coal plant is literally spewing out tons of airborne pollutants such as mercury, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, and greenhouse gases. This has resulted in substantial health impacts on the Moapa community, with a majority of tribal members reporting a sinus or respiratory ailment.
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  • Zayda Hernandez, 14, holds her inhaler inside her room next to a portrait of her grandfather who passed away in March, 2012. All of her family suffers from Asthma and though they can't prove it, believe its because of the coal plant next door. Her grandfather died in march because of cancer. The Sierra Club is working with the Moapa Band of Paiutes to transition NV Energy away from the Reid Gardner coal-fired power plant -- which sits only 45 miles from Las Vegas and a short walk from community housing at the Moapa River Indian Reservation. The Reid Gardner coal plant is literally spewing out tons of airborne pollutants such as mercury, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, and greenhouse gases. This has resulted in substantial health impacts on the Moapa community, with a majority of tribal members reporting a sinus or respiratory ailment. Ayona Hernandez, 13, holds her inhaler inside her room next to a portrait of her grandfather who passed away in March, 2012. All of her family suffers from Asthma and though they can't prove it, believe its because of the coal plant next door. Her grandfather died in march because of cancer. The Sierra Club is working with the Moapa Band of Paiutes to transition NV Energy away from the Reid Gardner coal-fired power plant -- which sits only 45 miles from Las Vegas and a short walk from community housing at the Moapa River Indian Reservation. The Reid Gardner coal plant is literally spewing out tons of airborne pollutants such as mercury, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, and greenhouse gases. This has resulted in substantial health impacts on the Moapa community, with a majority of tribal members reporting a sinus or respiratory ailment.
    DSC_3744.jpg
  • Alisha Winters and her family with children Myshelle James, 4, Deborah Smith 5, Jasmine Raley, 11, Jayvon Raley, 11, Robert Conner 3rd, 13, Dante Thomas, 14 and Michael Winters, 15 as well as relatives Nikeya Aaron, 9 and Nicole Aaron outside of DTE coal plant in Detroit, Michigan August 9, 2012.  Her family suffers from Asthma.
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  • ANBAR SOMUCH, AFGHANISTAN, AUGUST 1, 2002:   Qubra sits in a window in the home which she and her family fled last year after Taliban forces raided the village of Anbar Somuch, Afghanistan, August 1, 2002. More than 100 families have returned to their village after the fall of the Taliban and they are rushing to rebuild their homes before the brutal winter sets in. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • ANBAR SOMUCH, AFGHANISTAN, AUGUST 1, 2002:   Qubra sits in a window in the home which she and her family fled last year after Taliban forces raided the village of Anbar Somuch, Afghanistan, August 1, 2002. More than 100 families have returned to their village after the fall of the Taliban and they are rushing to rebuild their homes before the brutal winter sets in. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • ANBAR SOMUCH, AFGHANISTAN, AUGUST 1, 2002:   Qubra sits in a window in the home which she and her family fled last year after Taliban forces raided the village of Anbar Somuch, Afghanistan, August 1, 2002. More than 100 families have returned to their village after the fall of the Taliban and they are rushing to rebuild their homes before the brutal winter sets in. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0040.jpg
  • ANBAR SOMUCH, AFGHANISTAN, AUGUST 1, 2002:   Qubra sits in a window in the home which she and her family fled last year after Taliban forces raided the village of Anbar Somuch, Afghanistan, August 1, 2002. More than 100 families have returned to their village after the fall of the Taliban and they are rushing to rebuild their homes before the brutal winter sets in. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    DSC_0032-2.jpg
  • ANBAR SOMUCH, AFGHANISTAN, AUGUST 1, 2002:   Qubra sits in a window in the home which she and her family fled last year after Taliban forces raided the village of Anbar Somuch, Afghanistan, August 1, 2002. More than 100 families have returned to their village after the fall of the Taliban and they are rushing to rebuild their homes before the brutal winter sets in. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • Lindytown was once home to dozens of families, many with roots dating back generations. In 2008, residents started moving away because of a nearby mine. Today, only one original family remains: Quinnie Richmond and her son, Roger. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. © Ami Vitale
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  • An home sits abandoned in Lindytown, West Virginia. Lindytown was once home to dozens of families, many with roots dating back generations. In 2008, residents started moving away because of a nearby mine. Today, only one original family remains: Quinnie Richmond and her son, Roger. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. © Ami Vitale
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  • An home sits abandoned in Lindytown, West Virginia. Lindytown was once home to dozens of families, many with roots dating back generations. In 2008, residents started moving away because of a nearby mine. Today, only one original family remains: Quinnie Richmond and her son, Roger. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. © Ami Vitale
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  • Quinnie Richmond walks around inside her home in Lindytown, West Virginia. Lindytown was once home to dozens of families, many with roots dating back generations. In 2008, residents started moving away because of a nearby mine. Today, only one original family remains: Quinnie Richmond and her son, Roger. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. © Ami Vitale
    DSC_8390.jpg
  • Quinnie Richmond walks around inside her home in Lindytown, West Virginia. Lindytown was once home to dozens of families, many with roots dating back generations. In 2008, residents started moving away because of a nearby mine. Today, only one original family remains: Quinnie Richmond and her son, Roger. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. © Ami Vitale
    DSC_8384.jpg
  • Quinnie Richmond walks around her home in Lindytown, West Virginia. Lindytown was once home to dozens of families, many with roots dating back generations. In 2008, residents started moving away because of a nearby mine. Today, only one original family remains: Quinnie Richmond and her son, Roger. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. © Ami Vitale
    DSC_8349.jpg
  • An home sits abandoned in Lindytown, West Virginia. Lindytown was once home to dozens of families, many with roots dating back generations. In 2008, residents started moving away because of a nearby mine. Today, only one original family remains: Quinnie Richmond and her son, Roger. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. © Ami Vitale
    TAN_6067.jpg
  • Lindytown, West Virginia is almost completely abandoned. It was once home to dozens of families, many with roots dating back generations. In 2008, residents started moving away because of a nearby mine. Today, only one original family remains: Quinnie Richmond and her son, Roger. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. © Ami Vitale
    TAN_6061.jpg
  • Lindytown was once home to dozens of families, many with roots dating back generations. In 2008, residents started moving away because of a nearby mine. Today, only one original family remains: Quinnie Richmond and her son, Roger. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. © Ami Vitale
    TAN_6054.jpg
  • An home sits abandoned in Lindytown, West Virginia. Lindytown was once home to dozens of families, many with roots dating back generations. In 2008, residents started moving away because of a nearby mine. Today, only one original family remains: Quinnie Richmond and her son, Roger. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. © Ami Vitale
    TAN_6051.jpg
  • Quinnie Richmond poses inside her home in Lindytown, West Virginia. Lindytown was once home to dozens of families, many with roots dating back generations. In 2008, residents started moving away because of a nearby mine. Today, only one original family remains: Quinnie Richmond and her son, Roger. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. © Ami Vitale
    TAN_6036.jpg
  • Roads through Lindytown, West Virginia have been nearly silent since residents moved away in 2008, when a nearby mine was created. Lindytown was once home to dozens of families, many with roots dating back generations. Today, only one original family remains: Quinnie Richmond and her son, Roger. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. © Ami Vitale
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  • Quinnie Richmond poses outside her home in Lindytown, West Virginia. Lindytown was once home to dozens of families, many with roots dating back generations. In 2008, residents started moving away because of a nearby mine. Today, only one original family remains: Quinnie Richmond and her son, Roger. Mountaintop Removal is a method of surface mining that literally removes the tops of mountains to get to the coal seams beneath. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. It is the most profitable mining technique available because it is performed quickly, cheaply and comes with hefty economic benefits for the mining companies, most of which are located out of state. Many argue that they have brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but others say they have only demolished an estimated 1.4 million acres of forested hills, buried an estimated 2,000 miles of streams, poisoned drinking water, and wiped whole towns from the map. © Ami Vitale
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  • Akuguk Roman Cholkovich (74), an indigenous Chukchu tribal hangs salmon at their summer fishing camp along the river Vyvenka in Khailino, Kamchatka. His family along with other indigenous families are most vulnerable to the dwindling salmon stocks as they rely on it as a main source of protein for the entire year. Poaching in Kamchatka is on such a large scale that, like the sturgeon, the Pacific salmon is at risk of disappearing altogether. The economy is struggling and the only way for most people to survive is through poaching and fishing in the short summer months. So now the fish population is rapidly declining as poachers collect the eggs and don't allow the salmon to spawn for the next generations
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  • Cairo, Egpyt: Oum Hashem Rashad, 46, works in her rooftop garden in Fayoume, Egypt December 5, 2005. She is a recipient of the telefood project by FAO which has enabled her to have a small garden on her roof. The extra food has  provided an extra income for her family and also fresh, pesticide free vegetables. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • Elle Anderson, 2,  plays with a calf outside her family's home on the J Bar L ranch. The J Bar L ranch is a unique, conservation-friendly ranch nestled into the wide open land of the Centennial Valley in southern Montana. The ranch finishes their cattle on grass, in contrast to the vast majority of ranches in the U.S. that send cattle to feedlots. The 2,000 head at J Bar L "never go into a feedlot," said Bryan Ulring, manager of the ranch. He added that J Bar L is one of the biggest grass finishers in the state. The Centennial Valley is an important wildlife corridor for elk, moose, antelope, deer, wolverines, grizzly bears, wolves and hundreds of bird species. The valley is largely owned by a handful of large ranches, which means their use of the land impacts the local environment. © Ami Vitale
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  • Family and friends brand calves on the Oxarart Ranch near Malta, Montana on June 2, 2013. The Oxarart Ranch is part of an innovative grass bank project that allows ranchers to graze their cattle at discounted rates on Nature Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
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  • Family and friends herd cows on the Oxarart Ranch near Malta, Montana on June 2, 2013. The Oxarart Ranch is part of an innovative grass bank project that allows ranchers to graze their cattle at discounted rates on Nature Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
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  • Family and neighbors of the Barthlemess's herd cattle on the Barthelmess Ranch near Malta, Montana on June 1, 2013. The Barthelmess Ranch is part of an innovative grass bank project that allows ranchers to graze their cattle at discounted rates on Nature Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_4240.jpg
  • Family and neighbors of the Barthlemess's herd cattle on the Barthelmess Ranch near Malta, Montana on June 1, 2013. The Barthelmess Ranch is part of an innovative grass bank project that allows ranchers to graze their cattle at discounted rates on Nature Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_4183.jpg
  • Family and friends herd cows for branding on the Barthelmess Ranch near Malta, Montana on June 1, 2013. The Barthelmess Ranch is part of an innovative grass bank project that allows ranchers to graze their cattle at discounted rates on Nature Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_7193.jpg
  • Family and friends herd cows for branding on the Barthelmess Ranch near Malta, Montana on June 1, 2013. The Barthelmess Ranch is part of an innovative grass bank project that allows ranchers to graze their cattle at discounted rates on Nature Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
    MON_6918.jpg
  • Family and friends herd cows for branding on the Barthelmess Ranch near Malta, Montana on June 1, 2013. The Barthelmess Ranch is part of an innovative grass bank project that allows ranchers to graze their cattle at discounted rates on Nature Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
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  • The Koss family works with The Nature Conservancy on their land in Eastern Montana on the "grass bank" project. The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale, May 11, 2013)
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  • The Koss family works with The Nature Conservancy on their land in Eastern Montana on the "grass bank" project. The “grass bank" is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale, May 11, 2013)
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  • Kennedy Koss ties a small rope around a fence post on her family's cattle ranch in Eastern Montana on May 11, 2013. Kevin Koss works with The Nature Conservancy on the “grass bank" project which is an innovative way to leverage conservation gains, in which ranchers can graze their cattle at discounted rates on Conservancy land in exchange for improving conservation practices on their own “home” ranches. In 2002, the <br />
Conservancy began leasing parts of the ranch to neighboring ranchers who were suffering from several years of severe drought essentially offering the Matador’s grass to neighboring ranches in exchange for their  participation in conservation efforts. Thirteen ranchers graze their cattle on the Matador and the grassbank has enabled TNC to leverage conservation on more than 225,000 additional acres of private land without the cost of purchase of the land or of easements. The grassbank has helped keep ranchers from “busting sod,” or  plowing up native grassland to farm it; helped remove obstacles to pronghorn antelope migration; improved habitat for the Greater Sage-Grouse and reduced the risk of Sage-Grouse colliding with fences; preserved prairie dog towns (thereby preserving an important food source for the endangered black-footed ferret) and prevented the spread of noxious weeds. (Photo By Ami Vitale)
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  • Neighbors gather to drink coffee that Amlel Ambaye  and Zeritu Makonen prepared for a coffee ceremony inside their family home near the Teppi plantation in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia.  Coffee permeates the cultural fabric of Ethiopian life, and is celebrated daily in coffee ceremonies. First she roasts the coffee beans over coals, then takes a mortar and pestle to grind, and a clay pot to boil and brew. Ethiopia is one of only two producing countries that drink more than half of what they grow.
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  • Amlel Ambaye prepares a coffee ceremony inside her family home near the Teppi plantation in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia.  Coffee permeates the cultural fabric of Ethiopian life, and is celebrated daily in coffee ceremonies. First she roasts the coffee beans over coals, then takes a mortar and pestle to grind, and a clay pot to boil and brew. Ethiopia is one of only two producing countries that drink more than half of what they grow.
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  • Left to right, Sisters Ayona Hernandez, 13, Aaliya, 16, and Zayda, 14, hold their inhalers on the Moapa reservation in Nevada. All of their family suffers from Asthma and though they can't prove it, believe its because of the coal plant next door. Her grandfather died in march because of cancer. The Sierra Club is working with the Moapa Band of Paiutes to transition NV Energy away from the Reid Gardner coal-fired power plant -- which sits only 45 miles from Las Vegas and a short walk from community housing at the Moapa River Indian Reservation. The Reid Gardner coal plant is literally spewing out tons of airborne pollutants such as mercury, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, and greenhouse gases. This has resulted in substantial health impacts on the Moapa community, with a majority of tribal members reporting a sinus or respiratory ailment. Vernon Lee believes that the many people on the Moapa reservation suffering from health issues are because of the coal plant next door. Sierra Club is working with the Moapa Band of Paiutes to transition NV Energy away from the Reid Gardner coal-fired power plant -- which sits only 45 miles from Las Vegas and a short walk from community housing at the Moapa River Indian Reservation. The Reid Gardner coal plant is literally spewing out tons of airborne pollutants such as mercury, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, and greenhouse gases. This has resulted in substantial health impacts on the Moapa community, with a majority of tribal members reporting a sinus or respiratory ailment.
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  • Left to right, sisters Ayasha, 4, and Ayona Hernandez, 13,play a game  on the Moapa reservation in Nevada. Because the air is so polluted, they can not spend much time outdoors. All of their family suffers from Asthma and though they can't prove it, believe its because of the coal plant next door. Her grandfather died in march because of cancer. The Sierra Club is working with the Moapa Band of Paiutes to transition NV Energy away from the Reid Gardner coal-fired power plant -- which sits only 45 miles from Las Vegas and a short walk from community housing at the Moapa River Indian Reservation. The Reid Gardner coal plant is literally spewing out tons of airborne pollutants such as mercury, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, and greenhouse gases. This has resulted in substantial health impacts on the Moapa community, with a majority of tribal members reporting a sinus or respiratory ailment. Vernon Lee believes that the many people on the Moapa reservation suffering from health issues are because of the coal plant next door. Sierra Club is working with the Moapa Band of Paiutes to transition NV Energy away from the Reid Gardner coal-fired power plant -- which sits only 45 miles from Las Vegas and a short walk from community housing at the Moapa River Indian Reservation. The Reid Gardner coal plant is literally spewing out tons of airborne pollutants such as mercury, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, and greenhouse gases. This has resulted in substantial health impacts on the Moapa community, with a majority of tribal members reporting a sinus or respiratory ailment.
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  • Left to right, Ayona Hernandez, 13, Calista Casupang, 13 and Zayda Hernandez, 14,  on the Moapa reservation in Nevada. All of their family suffers from Asthma and though they can't prove it, believe its because of the coal plant next door. Her grandfather died in march because of cancer. The Sierra Club is working with the Moapa Band of Paiutes to transition NV Energy away from the Reid Gardner coal-fired power plant -- which sits only 45 miles from Las Vegas and a short walk from community housing at the Moapa River Indian Reservation. The Reid Gardner coal plant is literally spewing out tons of airborne pollutants such as mercury, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, and greenhouse gases. This has resulted in substantial health impacts on the Moapa community, with a majority of tribal members reporting a sinus or respiratory ailment.
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  • Surita Hernandez brings her children along with neighbors to swim in a river on the Moapa reservation outside Las Vegas, Nevada in July, 2012. They don't get to go outside as often as they like because of the poor air quality. In the photos are:   Aaliya Hernandez , 16, (grey shirt on left) and her sister Zayda Hernandez, (black shirt) 14 on the Moapa reservation in Nevada. All of their family suffers from Asthma and though they can't prove it, believe its because of the coal plant next door. Her grandfather died in march because of cancer. The Sierra Club is working with the Moapa Band of Paiutes to transition NV Energy away from the Reid Gardner coal-fired power plant -- which sits only 45 miles from Las Vegas and a short walk from community housing at the Moapa River Indian Reservation. The Reid Gardner coal plant is literally spewing out tons of airborne pollutants such as mercury, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, and greenhouse gases. This has resulted in substantial health impacts on the Moapa community, with a majority of tribal members reporting a sinus or respiratory ailment.
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  • Zayda Hernandez, 14, and Ayasha, 4 play on the Moapa reservation in Nevada. All of their family suffers from Asthma and though they can't prove it, believe its because of the coal plant next door. Her grandfather died in march because of cancer. The Sierra Club is working with the Moapa Band of Paiutes to transition NV Energy away from the Reid Gardner coal-fired power plant -- which sits only 45 miles from Las Vegas and a short walk from community housing at the Moapa River Indian Reservation. The Reid Gardner coal plant is literally spewing out tons of airborne pollutants such as mercury, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, and greenhouse gases. This has resulted in substantial health impacts on the Moapa community, with a majority of tribal members reporting a sinus or respiratory ailment.
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  • Surita Hernandez brings her daughter Ayashe, 4, into the wate to swim in a river on the Moapa reservation outside Las Vegas, Nevada in July, 2012. They don't get to go outside as often as they like because of the poor air quality.   All of their family suffers from Asthma and though they can't prove it, believe its because of the coal plant next door. Her grandfather died in march because of cancer. The Sierra Club is working with the Moapa Band of Paiutes to transition NV Energy away from the Reid Gardner coal-fired power plant -- which sits only 45 miles from Las Vegas and a short walk from community housing at the Moapa River Indian Reservation. The Reid Gardner coal plant is literally spewing out tons of airborne pollutants such as mercury, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, and greenhouse gases. This has resulted in substantial health impacts on the Moapa community, with a majority of tribal members reporting a sinus or respiratory ailment. Vernon Lee believes that the many people on the Moapa reservation suffering from health issues are because of the coal plant next door. Sierra Club is working with the Moapa Band of Paiutes to transition NV Energy away from the Reid Gardner coal-fired power plant -- which sits only 45 miles from Las Vegas and a short walk from community housing at the Moapa River Indian Reservation. The Reid Gardner coal plant is literally spewing out tons of airborne pollutants such as mercury, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, and greenhouse gases. This has resulted in substantial health impacts on the Moapa community, with a majority of tribal members reporting a sinus or respiratory ailment.
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  • Surita Hernandez brings her children along with neighbors to swim in a river on the Moapa reservation outside Las Vegas, Nevada in July, 2012. They don't get to go outside as often as they like because of the poor air quality. In the photos are: Ayona Hernandez, (wearing glasses)13, Aaliya Hernandez , 16, (grey shirt in ponytail)Gyiel Hernandez, 7, (Small boy)  Surita Hernandez, (mother) 37, Zayda Hernandez, (black shirt) 14,  Edgar Perez, 16, Summer Marie Sunshine Nickrand, 14  and Ayasha Hernandez, 4 and on the Moapa reservation in Nevada. All of their family suffers from Asthma and though they can't prove it, believe its because of the coal plant next door. Her grandfather died in march because of cancer. The Sierra Club is working with the Moapa Band of Paiutes to transition NV Energy away from the Reid Gardner coal-fired power plant -- which sits only 45 miles from Las Vegas and a short walk from community housing at the Moapa River Indian Reservation. The Reid Gardner coal plant is literally spewing out tons of airborne pollutants such as mercury, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, and greenhouse gases. This has resulted in substantial health impacts on the Moapa community, with a majority of tribal members reporting a sinus or respiratory ailment. Vernon Lee believes that the many people on the Moapa reservation suffering from health issues are because of the coal plant next door. Sierra Club is working with the Moapa Band of Paiutes to transition NV Energy away from the Reid Gardner coal-fired power plant -- which sits only 45 miles from Las Vegas and a short walk from community housing at the Moapa River Indian Reservation. The Reid Gardner coal plant is literally spewing out tons of airborne pollutants such as mercury, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, and greenhouse gases. This has resulted in substantial health impacts on the Moapa community, with a majority of tribal members reporting a sinus or respiratory ailment.
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  • Surita Hernandez brings her children along with neighbors to swim in a river on the Moapa reservation outside Las Vegas, Nevada in July, 2012. They don't get to go outside as often as they like because of the poor air quality. In the photos are:   Aaliya Hernandez , 16, (grey shirt on left) and her sister Zayda Hernandez, (black shirt) 14 on the Moapa reservation in Nevada. All of their family suffers from Asthma and though they can't prove it, believe its because of the coal plant next door. Her grandfather died in march because of cancer. The Sierra Club is working with the Moapa Band of Paiutes to transition NV Energy away from the Reid Gardner coal-fired power plant -- which sits only 45 miles from Las Vegas and a short walk from community housing at the Moapa River Indian Reservation. The Reid Gardner coal plant is literally spewing out tons of airborne pollutants such as mercury, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, and greenhouse gases. This has resulted in substantial health impacts on the Moapa community, with a majority of tribal members reporting a sinus or respiratory ailment.
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  • Summer Marie Sunshine Nickrand, 14  jumps in a river on the Moapa reservation outside Las Vegas, Nevada in July, 2012. They don't get to go outside as often as they like because of the poor air quality. In the photos are: Ayona Hernandez, (wearing glasses)13, Aaliya Hernandez , 16, (grey shirt in ponytail)Gyiel Hernandez, 7, (Small boy)  Surita Hernandez, (mother) 37, Zayda Hernandez, (black shirt) 14,  Edgar Perez, 16, Summer Marie Sunshine Nickrand, 14  and Ayasha Hernandez, 4 and on the Moapa reservation in Nevada. All of their family suffers from Asthma and though they can't prove it, believe its because of the coal plant next door. Her grandfather died in march because of cancer. The Sierra Club is working with the Moapa Band of Paiutes to transition NV Energy away from the Reid Gardner coal-fired power plant -- which sits only 45 miles from Las Vegas and a short walk from community housing at the Moapa River Indian Reservation. The Reid Gardner coal plant is literally spewing out tons of airborne pollutants such as mercury, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, and greenhouse gases. This has resulted in substantial health impacts on the Moapa community, with a majority of tribal members reporting a sinus or respiratory ailment. Vernon Lee believes that the many people on the Moapa reservation suffering from health issues are because of the coal plant next door. Sierra Club is working with the Moapa Band of Paiutes to transition NV Energy away from the Reid Gardner coal-fired power plant -- which sits only 45 miles from Las Vegas and a short walk from community housing at the Moapa River Indian Reservation. The Reid Gardner coal plant is literally spewing out tons of airborne pollutants such as mercury, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, and greenhouse gases. This has resulted in substantial health impacts on the Moapa community, with a majority of tribal members reporting a sinus or respiratory ailment.
    DSC_3008.jpg
  • Surita Hernandez brings her children along with neighbors to swim in a river on the Moapa reservation outside Las Vegas, Nevada in July, 2012. They don't get to go outside as often as they like because of the poor air quality. In the photos are: Ayona Hernandez, (wearing glasses)13, Aaliya Hernandez , 16, (grey shirt in ponytail)Gyiel Hernandez, 7, (Small boy)  Surita Hernandez, (mother) 37, Zayda Hernandez, (black shirt) 14,  Edgar Perez, 16, Summer Marie Sunshine Nickrand, 14  and Ayasha Hernandez, 4 and on the Moapa reservation in Nevada. All of their family suffers from Asthma and though they can't prove it, believe its because of the coal plant next door. Her grandfather died in march because of cancer. The Sierra Club is working with the Moapa Band of Paiutes to transition NV Energy away from the Reid Gardner coal-fired power plant -- which sits only 45 miles from Las Vegas and a short walk from community housing at the Moapa River Indian Reservation. The Reid Gardner coal plant is literally spewing out tons of airborne pollutants such as mercury, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, and greenhouse gases. This has resulted in substantial health impacts on the Moapa community, with a majority of tribal members reporting a sinus or respiratory ailment. Vernon Lee believes that the many people on the Moapa reservation suffering from health issues are because of the coal plant next door. Sierra Club is working with the Moapa Band of Paiutes to transition NV Energy away from the Reid Gardner coal-fired power plant -- which sits only 45 miles from Las Vegas and a short walk from community housing at the Moapa River Indian Reservation. The Reid Gardner coal plant is literally spewing out tons of airborne pollutants such as mercury, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, and greenhouse gases. This has resulted in substantial health impacts on the Moapa community, with a majority of tribal members reporting a sinus or respiratory ailment.
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  • All of the Hernandez family suffers from Asthma and though they can't prove it, believe its because of the coal plant next door. Her grandfather died in march because of cancer. The Sierra Club is working with the Moapa Band of Paiutes to transition NV Energy away from the Reid Gardner coal-fired power plant -- which sits only 45 miles from Las Vegas and a short walk from community housing at the Moapa River Indian Reservation. The Reid Gardner coal plant is literally spewing out tons of airborne pollutants such as mercury, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, and greenhouse gases. This has resulted in substantial health impacts on the Moapa community, with a majority of tribal members reporting a sinus or respiratory ailment.
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  • Alisha Winters takes her family Myshelle James, 4, (on bike) Deborah Smith 5, (left) and Robert Conner 3rd, 13, to the Farmers Market in River Rouge, Detroit. Her children suffer from asthma and she blames the industry and coal plants in River Rouge, Detroit, on their health problems.
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  • Elle Anderson, 2,  plays with a calf outside her family's home on the J Bar L ranch. The J Bar L ranch is a unique, conservation-friendly ranch nestled into the wide open land of the Centennial Valley in southern Montana. The ranch finishes their cattle on grass, in contrast to the vast majority of ranches in the U.S. that send cattle to feedlots. The 2,000 head at J Bar L "never go into a feedlot," said Bryan Ulring, manager of the ranch. He added that J Bar L is one of the biggest grass finishers in the state. The Centennial Valley is an important wildlife corridor for elk, moose, antelope, deer, wolverines, grizzly bears, wolves and hundreds of bird species. The valley is largely owned by a handful of large ranches, which means their use of the land impacts the local environment. © Ami Vitale
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  • Andy Anderson, 4, races to say goodbye to his dad in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012.  The days are long and hard on the ranch and family time is minimal. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.    The idea is called ?sustainable ranching? and it says to heal the land, put more animals on it, not fewer - but move them after a relatively brief interval. If livestock mimick the grazing behavior of wild herbivores - bunched together for safety, intensely grazing an area for a brief period, and then moving on - rangeland health will improve..Andy Anderson, 4, waits while his parents gather a calf in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana, June 13, 2012. Ranching is tough business with most working 14-16 hour days in the calving season  in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana, June 13, 2012. Spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.    The idea is called ?sustainable ranching? and it says to heal the land, put more animals on it, not fewer - but move them after a relatively brief interval. If livestock mimick the grazing behavior of wild herbivores - bunched together for safety, intensely grazing an area for a brief period, and then moving on - rangeland health will improve..
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  • Mamtaz Begum, 35,  sits with her daughter Neherum, 17, and family in her house in the fishing village of South Tetulbarian in Barguna Sadar upazila  in Bangladesh  October 20, 2010 . Her husband died in a boat accident after capsizing because violent weather. Her mother died later in a cyclone and now she is left with 4 children to feed and very little means to support them. Because of climate change, the seas are getting more violent, less predictable and boats are capsizing more frequently. Twenty percent of the women in this village are widows because so many have lost their husbands in the seas. Coastal and fishing populations are particularly vulnerable and Fishing communities in Bangladesh are subject not only to sea-level rise, but also flooding and increased typhoons. Erosion as a result of stronger and higher tides, cyclones and storm surges is eating away Bangladesh's southern coast.  Yet the largely fishing community cannot live without the sea. "We only know how to catch fish," say the fishermen. ( Ami Vitale)
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  • Mamtaz Begum, 35,  sits with her daughter Neherum, 17, and family in her house in the fishing village of South Tetulbarian in Barguna Sadar upazila  in Bangladesh  October 20, 2010 . Her husband died in a boat accident after capsizing because violent weather. Her mother died later in a cyclone and now she is left with 4 children to feed and very little means to support them. Because of climate change, the seas are getting more violent, less predictable and boats are capsizing more frequently. Twenty percent of the women in this village are widows because so many have lost their husbands in the seas. Coastal and fishing populations are particularly vulnerable and Fishing communities in Bangladesh are subject not only to sea-level rise, but also flooding and increased typhoons. Erosion as a result of stronger and higher tides, cyclones and storm surges is eating away Bangladesh's southern coast.  Yet the largely fishing community cannot live without the sea. "We only know how to catch fish," say the fishermen. ( Ami Vitale)
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