Nature nominee

Antarctic is known as the last wilderness because it is the only place that human beings have not spoiled. The Glacier and sea ice are used to be a playground and rest area for sea animals. However, due to the evolving climate, the glacier is changing dramatically and therefore negatively impacting the already tough life of local residents, penguins. Global warming are jeopardizing penguins’ (especially Adélie) breeding areas, harming their food supply and causing increased chick mortality.

Born in Beijing and spent her childhood and teen years in various places including Tibet, Szechuan and Yunan, Xiao “Freya” Gu is a volunteer, traveler and photographer currently based in New York. Early experience of diverse cultures and exposure to different communities unleashed her fascination for human and nature. She is passionate about observing and connecting the world through travelling and volunteering. She has traveled to all 7 continents and has been a dedicated volunteer since she was 15. She takes her lenses to capture precious moments, when she sees true beauty and dignity in human as well as the wilderness in nature.