Machiavellian environmentalism

Published on 10 June 2009 at 15:39

In the realm of "simple stories and spectacular images" Yann Arthus-Bertrand is king. The Parisian photographer who has just released Home, his new film that saves our planet, is so "gifted, engaged and altruistic (…) that you can’t help but love him" gushes [Neue Zürcher Zeitung](http://www.presseurop.com/en/content/source-information/23821-neue-zuercher-zeitung)… with its tongue in its cheek. According to the Swiss daily, YAB, as he is known, has drummed up extraordinary media hype over a work that is "eco-ecumenical, and bereft of any nuance." Man and nature pitted against one another "in a long-winded plea against the relentless exploitation of the land, the forests and seas." YAB has allowed his sponsor, luxury giant Pinault-Printemps-Redoute which had invested €10m "to buy not only a clean conscience, but also a worldwide advertising campaign. In the protection of the environment, as in advertising, it seems the end justifies the means."

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