Carbon Journey is a series of spectacular photographs depicting Webb's journey of discovery into the thriving low-carbon communities that continue to live peacefully and without fanfare across Russia and the CIS. Join us for drinks, good company and a talk by the photographer about his work and experiences travelling the paths less travelled.

To coincide with an exhibition of his photos at Pushkin House, photographer Matthew Webb talks about the stories behind the images, and other tales of adventure based on his work promoting sustainability in Russian-speaking countries - the workshops, lectures and campaigns he leads all across the CIS.

Unlike images of melting ice-caps and drowning polar bears – which seem several steps removed from everyday life, Webb's photography emphatically engages people with the real issue, bringing the viewer closer to the idea that climate change is something people can respond to simply, beautifully and on their own terms.  According to artist and curator Masha Naimushina, Vice President of the Russian Federation of Artists "people recognise objects of their own affection —  images of country life, giant snowy fields, frozen Baikal, old markets. Here is a simplicity and modesty so familiar to many,". In turn his images invite us to reflect on our own way of living and how we interact with the natural world around us.

Documentary art photographer Matthew Webb was born in 1980 in Middlesbrough, an industrial town in the North East of England. Webb’s work in Russia and the CIS has been shown in 17 solo exhibitions including at the Moscow Manezh, the Russian State Darwin Museum and Anichkova Palace in St Petersburg - receiving more than 200,000 visitors. Webb's work has received acclaim in the Russian media including Vedomosti, National Geographic Russia, ITAR-TASS, TV Dozhd, Time Out Russia & The Moscow Times. The Russian Ministry of Culture & the Moscow Department of Culture have honoured Webb's  Carbon Journey series with several awards.  Webb's latest exhibition was exhibited at the Russian State Darwin Museum as part of the UK-Russia Year of Culture 2014.  Webb’s photographs can be found in the Russian State Darwin Museum, Buckingham Palace Collection, UN Refugee Agency and across many private collections.

Pheobe Taplin is a journalist and writer specialising in culture and travel. She recently authored a definitive series of walking guides to Moscow, 'Moscow Walks', and organises free, informal walks in and around London. She currently writes widely on Russian culture with articles in the Guardian, Telegraph, Sunday Times, Moscow News, Washington Post, New York Times, Wall Street Journal and numerous other newspapers and magazines.