The 5-minute Interview: Mattias Klum, Photographer

'Our society must work with nature'

Klum, 39, who was born in Switzerland, has been photographing nature for 20 years. He has published nine books and his work has won numerous honours, including a Swedish national medal. His latest book, 'Being There', is out now

If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be...

Working on film project about the Baltic Sea.

A common misperception of me is...

Some people think I'm an adventurer but I'm not in this for kicks. I go to these environments to come back with moving stories.

I wish people would take more notice...

That our economic and social system needs to work with nature, for our own well-being, not just for the sake of cute animals.

The most surprising thing that happened to me...

Was receiving a medal from the King of Sweden, but my job is constantly surprising me.

I am not a politician but...

I would legislate for environmental issues. It's crucial that we act now, so I would speed it up.

A phrase I use too often...

I use "fantastic" a lot.

I'm good at...

Making people enthusiastic about goals, and, hopefully, at photography.

I'm very bad at...

Being self-content. I'm quick to find problems.

In another life I'd have been...

A scientist or a drummer.

The best age to be is...

Thirty-nine is perfect. Life gets better and better.

My philosophy is...

We need to care for our environment and create conditions for a sustainable future.

Alice-Azania Jarvis