Antropocene: The Human Epoch. Images from the documentary

Venice at high tide

The city of Venice during high tide. The phenomenon is a growing threat for the laguna © Edward Burtynsky

Ol Pejeta reserve in Kenya

At the Ol Pejeta reserve in Kenya, rangers defend wildlife from poachers who threaten the existence of rhinos and elephants © Edward Burtynsky

Breakwater barriers along China's coast

Cement breakwater barriers have been erected along 60 per cent of China's coastline as a measure against rising sea levels © Edward Burtynsky

Potash mines in the Ural Mountains

The psychedelic potash mines in the Ural Mountains, where the industrial city of Berezniki is slowly disappearing © Edward Burtynsky

Extractive industry in Norilsk, Siberia

Norilsk, Siberia: one of the world's most polluted places, where life revolves entirely around the extraction of nickel and other metals © Edward Burtynsky

Excavators in the Immerath coal mine, Germany

Marble mine in Carrara, Italy

The daunting landscape of the Carrara marble mines, in Italy. Today, an incision made with machinery requires one day of work, compared to the 15 days needed when it used to be done manually © Edward Burtynsky