The Globe and Mail hosted Lens on the Water: A Tribute to the Wonders of the Ocean at Toronto’s Four Seasons Centre on June 24th, an inspiring evening dedicated to celebrating the ocean and its vital role in our planet’s health. Sponsored by Rolex, the event featured award-winning conservation photographers Shane Gross and Cristina Mittermeier, who shared how their powerful imagery fuels climate activism and the personal motivation behind their work.
An accompanying photo exhibit showcased some of their most impactful images, and the photographers recounted the stories and urgency behind several of them. Both emphasized the unique power of visual storytelling to ignite curiosity, evoke emotion, and inspire change.
Cristina Mittermeier, Globally Acclaimed Photographer, Marine Biologist and Conservation Advocate and Alexandra Soriano, Director, Marketing and Communications at Rolex.
Truth and hope in climate storytelling
A key debate in the charitable sector is how to most effectively motivate people to action, with some arguing in favour of fear-based narratives and others opting for a more hopeful approach. Shane Gross made his case for balance.
“The truth is that there is a lot of beauty in the ocean still, but we are doing a lot of atrocious things to it. That is the truth. How do you keep people engaged is now the question,” he said, adding, “it’s striking a balance.”
Shane Gross, Marine Conservation Photojournalist.
Canada’s role in global conservation
With global leadership on climate faltering in the United States, Cristina Mittermeier appealed for Canada to step up. While acknowledging the country’s current reliance on fossil fuels, she urged Canadians to imagine, and work toward, a cleaner, more sustainable future.
The ocean knows no borders
The photographers spoke about the ocean as the planet’s “engine,” noting its essential role in producing half of the oxygen we breathe and in absorbing excess heat generated by human activity. They further discussed that marine life knows no national boundaries, underscoring our shared responsibility to protect the ocean beyond the jurisdiction of individual countries. The Global Ocean Treaty, they noted, represents a promising step toward achieving this collective goal.
The power of community
Ending on a note of optimism, Cristina highlighted the essential role of collective action:
“Community is going to be the thing that saves us in the end,” she said, going on to describe the importance of relying on and turning to community when the work feels hard.
The evening highlighted how meaningful change begins with local action, shared purpose, and the power of storytelling. Globe and Mail event hosts Ryan MacDonald, Senior Editor, Climage, Environment and Resources and Jenn Thornhill Verma, Reporter/Pulitzer Fellow, Ocean Reporting Network, also recognized Rolex’s longstanding commitment to climate-focused initiatives, underscoring the value of mission-aligned partnerships.
It was a moving tribute to the ocean – and a shining example of how The Globe and Mail’s events create space for thoughtful dialogue, inviting sponsors to participate in experiences that reflect their values and amplify change.
Watch the event video to see how storytelling, activism, and collaboration came together in an unforgettable night featuring award-winning photographers Cristina Mittermeier and Shane Gross.
