The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management is hoping that the Environmental Photographer of the Year Exhibition, opening today, will persuade politicians to take the urgent and decisive action needed to combat climate change. In just its third year, the Environmental Photographer of the Year is one of the fastest growing photographic competitions in the world, with nearly 2,500 pictures entered from over 60 countries including Serbia, Jamaica, Belarus, Zimbabwe, Turkey, Romania, India, South Africa, Australia, Israel, USA, China, Belgium, Vietnam and the UK. Over 40 images from amateur and professional photographers are part of this international showcase for the very best in environmental photography. The free exhibition is being launched simultaneously at 3 Bedfordbury Gallery, Covent Garden, London, from 7th until 18th October, and at the Bewdley Festival, Worcester, from 8th until 29th October. For more information on the exhibition, please refer to the website below.

Website: Environmental Photographer of the Year

CIWEM Press Release

CAN PHOTOGRAPHY CHANGE THE WAY POLITICIANS THINK?

Photographs dealing with some of the most important issues of our time will be on display in October. And with only two months to go before the Copenhagen climate change summit, CIWEM is hoping that the Environmental Photographer of the Year Exhibition will persuade politicians to take the urgent and decisive action needed to combat climate change.

In just its 3rd year, the Environmental Photographer of the Year is one of the fastest growing photographic competitions in the world, with nearly 2,500 pictures entered from over 60 countries including Serbia, Jamaica, Belarus, Zimbabwe, Turkey, Romania, India, South Africa, Australia, Israel, USA, China, Belgium, Vietnam and the UK. These images spotlight just some of the many environmental and social consequences of the greatest challenge the world faces.

Over 40 images from amateur and professional photographers are part of this international showcase for the very best in environmental photography. The exhibition includes pictures of places and people that are struggling with the effects of a changing climate, environmental degradation and social inequity, as well as celebrations of people and technological innovations helping us achieve environmental improvements, and pictures that show the incredible variety and beauty that exists within our natural environment, serving to remind us of what we need to protect.

The free exhibition is being launched simultaneously at 3 Bedfordbury Gallery, Covent Garden, London, from 7th until 18th October, and at the Bewdley Festival, Worcester, from 8th until 29th October.

Judge Nick Reeves, CIWEM’s Executive Director, said:

“Our progress on prioritising the environment has been inadequate, inept and not commensurate with the magnitude of the threat posed by climate change. Unless we cut our carbon emissions and invest in adaptation measures, we face a desperate fight for survival. Protecting our environment is the most pressing problem we face and the Environmental Photographer of the Year highlights the challenges that face people on an everyday basis, whilst also allowing us to appreciate the wonder and beauty that surrounds us. I urge Ministers to visit the exhibition to help them understand just how imperative it is for them to re-think their approach to climate change ahead of the crucial convention in Copenhagen in December. The era of procrastination is over.”

For more information on the competition and exhibition, please go to www.ciwem.org/arts/photographer.

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