Photographer Musuk Nolte travelled to Brazil’s Rio Negro last year to document its historic drought. He talks about the impact on its communities and why he is sceptical the COP30 summit in the Amazon city of Belém will help the region.
The World Today
Published 15 September 2025
Updated 17 September 2025 — 3 minute READ
Image — The Amazon basin has suffered a series of droughts devastating the lives of those who depend on the river for their livelihood. Photo: Musuk Nolte/ Panos Pictures.
Why did you visit the Rio Negro and what was your reaction on arrival?
I’ve been covering the Amazon region and documenting stories about water for 15 years, so I’m familiar with the river and how the environment is changing. But I wanted to visit the Rio Negro because the situation was so extreme.
