‘A distressing reality’: our beautiful planet under threat – in pictures

Stark images of coal markets, coastal cleanups and a photographer who burns her own work all feature in this year’s Earth Photo awards

Main image: Step by step … Raymond Zhang’s Walking on the Palette, 2024. Photograph: Raymond Zhang

  • Jean-Marc Caimi and Valentina Piccinni: Tropicalia series (Earth Photo 2024 award winner)

    Earth Photo engages with image makers to showcase the issues affecting the climate and life on our planet. This series is Tropicalia, which documents the methods employed by Sicilian farmers as a response to climate change. Here we see mango shoots being prepped for grafting as farmers shift from citrus to tropical groves due to the changing climate in the island. The shortlisted and award-winning works are available to see at the Earth Photo 2024 exhibition, Royal Geographical Society, London, until 21 August
    Jean-Marc Caimi and Valentina Piccinni: Tropicalia series (Earth Photo 2024 award winner)Earth Photo engages with image makers to showcase the issues affecting the climate and life on our planet. This series is Tropicalia, which documents the methods employed by Sicilian farmers as a response to climate change. Here we see mango shoots being prepped for grafting as farmers shift from citrus to tropical groves due to changing climate in the island. The shortlisted and award-winning works are available to see at the Earth Photo 2024 exhibition, Royal Geographical Society, London, until 21 August

  • Jean-Marc Caimi and Valentina Piccinni: Tropicalia, 2023

    The Tropicalia series documents the drastic effects of climate change on food sovereignty in Sicily. Here we see Elena Giorgianni, a naturopath and farmer, resist the trend by beginning to grow exotic fruits organically in the hills around Messina. Taking advantage of new weather conditions and the demand for high-quality Italian exotic fruits, she is pioneering an approach that balances environmental sustainability with consumer preferences
    Jean-Marc Caimi and Valentina Piccinni, Tropicalia 04, 2023 (Earth Photo 2024 Award) Climate change is prompting Sicilian farmers to give up their land to host photovoltaic and agrovoltaic systems, potentially threatening food sovereignty. Elena Giorgianni, a naturopath and farmer, resits the trend by beginning to grow exotic fruits organically in the hills around Messina. Taking advantage of new weather conditions and the demand for high-quality Italian exotic fruits, she is pioneering an approach that balances environmental sustainability with consumer preferences.

  • Jennifer Adler: Corals of the Future series, 2023 (Climate of Change award)

    Roxane Boonstra examines a tree of healthy elkhorn coral at the Coral Restoration Foundation’s Tavernier nursery, the world’s largest underwater coral nursery. In the summer of 2023, an extreme marine heatwave caused a mass coral bleaching event in the Florida Keys, a reef area that had already declined by 90% due to disease and past heatwaves. Adler’s goal is to take photographs that help bring ocean science out of the pages of peer-reviewed journals and into the mainstream media and classrooms
    Jennifer Adler: Corals of the Future series, 2023 (Climate of Change award).Roxane Boonstra examines a tree of healthy elkhorn coral at the Coral Restoration Foundation’s Tavernier nursery, the world’s largest underwater coral nursery. In the summer of 2023, an extreme marine heat wave caused a mass coral bleaching event in the Florida Keys, a reef area that had already declined by 90 percent due to disease and past heat waves. Jennifer Adler’s goal is to take photographs that help bring ocean science out of the pages of peer-reviewed journals and into the mainstream media and classrooms

  • Elizabeth Woodger : Crimson flourish, 2024

    Many of the lichens growing in Exmoor’s temperate rainforests are globally scarce, and some are important indicators of air quality and habitat biodiversity. The series Arborea takes windfall lichens from these ancient woodlands and soaks them in a chemical solution until crystals form. This artistic experiment mimics the prevailing ecological crises; where human actions are influencing geological processes with unpredictable consequences. In this photograph numerous small crystals punctuate the surface of a fruticose lichen growing on a tree branch
    Woodger Elizabeth: Crimson flourish, 2024Crimson flourish Many of the lichens growing in Exmoor’s temperate rainforests are globally scarce, and some are important indicators of air quality and habitat biodiversity. The series Arborea takes windfall lichens from these ancient woodlands and soaks them in a chemical solution until crystals form. This artistic experiment mimics the prevailing ecological and climatic crises; where human actions are influencing geological processes with unpredictable consequences. In this photograph numerous small crystals punctuate the surface of a fruticose lichen growing on a tree branch.

  • Alex Cao: Heart House on the river, 2020

    Mangrove forests that surround this area in Bàu Cá Cái in Vietnam’s Quảng Ngãi province are an important shield against destructive typhoons that rock the coast each year. This image depicts a farmer with their buffalo navigating the treeless flood zone. Unfortunately, the native mangrove trees have been depleted over the years by population growth, climate change and clearance for fish farming. However, there are now initiatives concerned with the reintroduction of mangrove habitats
    Alex Cao: Heart House on the river, 2020 Mangrove forests that surround this area in Bau Ca Cai in coastal Vietnam’s Quang Ngai Province are an important shield against destructive typhoons that rock the coast each year. This image depicts a farmer with their buffalo navigating the treeless flood zone. Unfortunately, the native mangrove trees have been depleted over the years by population growth, climate change, and clearance for fish farming. However, there are now initiatives concerned with the reintroduction of mangrove habitats. Here, Alex engages with a project funded by the Green Climate Fund and UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), in Quang Ngai, Vietnam, that is focused on replanting and strengthening resilience in relation to the impacts of climate change for vulnerable communities and ecosystems along Vietnam’s coast.

  • Gwenn Dubourthoumieu: Kinshasa Makala, 2023

    Populated by more than 16 million people, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kinshasa, has irregular access to electricity. With no urban gas network many people use charcoal (called ‘makala’ in Lingala) fires for cooking. The production of charcoal is the main source of deforestation within the region. It’s estimated that 5m tonnes of charcoal are burned in Kinshasa each year, the equivalent of 60,000 hectares of peri-urban natural forests. Here we see a woman selling charcoal in one of the many markets of the city
    Gwenn Dubourthoumieu: Kinshasa Makala, 2023Populated by more than 16 million people, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kinshasa. has irregular access to electricity. With no urban gas network many people use charcoal (called ‘makala’ in Lingala) fires for cooking. The production of charcoal is the main source of deforestation within the region. It’s estimated that 5 million tonnes of charcoal are burned in Kinshasa each year, the equivalent of 60,000 hectares of peri-urban natural forests. Here we see a woman selling charcoal in one of the many markets of the capital

  • Elrea Song: Combing the Sea, Combing Peace, 2023

    Eight people, including three children, spend a day collecting rubbish from the ocean in South Korea. They notice that the litter comes from various countries, highlighting how interconnected we are through our environment. This cleanup is more than just removing rubbish; it’s about understanding the deep connection between people and nature, mediated by the oceans. Song shares stories with her three nieces, depicted in this photograph, about the impact of pollution on people and wildlife
    Elrea Song: Combing the Sea, Combing Peace, 2023 Eight people, including three children, spend a day collecting rubbish from the ocean in South Korea. They notice that the litter comes from various countries, highlighting how interconnected we are through our environment, much like the global climate crisis that affects us all. This cleanup is more than just removing rubbish; it’s about understanding the deep connection between people and nature, mediated by the oceans. Elrea shares stories with her three nieces, depicted in the photograph, about the impact of pollution on people and wildlife, discussing these challenges and exploring ideas of hope and resilience. They view their efforts as a step towards healing and dreaming of a better world, inviting others to join in this journey toward peace.

  • Eric Nathan: Bay Wildfire, 2011

    A 30-second exposure of a wildfire burning in the mountains of the Kogel Bay Nature Reserve at night. Located about 40km from Cape Town, the stretch of the reserve where the Kogelberg mountains meet the ocean at Kogel Bay is a largely undeveloped and spectacularly picturesque coastal landscape. Over many years, Nathan has photographed the reserve repeatedly from the exact same location but in notably different conditions. These images collectively form a photo essay that illustrates how a single vista can exhibit vastly different appearances
    Eric Nathan: Bay Wildfire, 2011 SHORTA wildfire in the Kogelberg mountains at night. The Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve is located about 40 km from Cape Town. The stretch of the reserve where the Kogelberg mountains meet the ocean at Kogel Bay is a largely undeveloped and spectacularly picturesque coastal landscape. Over many years, Eric has photographed the reserve repeatedly from the exact same location but in notably different conditions. These images collectively form a photo essay that illustrates how a single vista can exhibit vastly different appearances, showcasing the remarkable diversity of nature.A 30-second exposure of a wild fire burning in the mountains of the Kogel Bay Nature Reserve at night.

  • Damith Osuranga Danthanarayana: Human Disaster, 2023

    Taken in Ampara, Sri Lanka, this photograph exposes a distressing reality: due to the reduction of natural habitats and the absence of efficient waste management, elephants are attracted to eat garbage dangerously close to human habitation. Plastic waste threatens their lives, yet currently there’s no effective solution. Waste accumulation near forests lures elephants, and many other animals, away from their natural habitats, jeopardising their safety. During Danthanarayana’s exploration, a small elephant was found, hurt by a homemade explosive
    Damith Osuranga Danthanarayana: Human Disaster, 2023 SHORTIn Ampara, Sri Lanka, this photograph exposes a distressing reality – due to the reduction of natural habitats and the absence of efficient waste management, elephants are attracted to eat garbage dangerously close to human habitation. Plastic waste threatens their lives, yet currently there’s no effective solution. Waste accumulation near forests lures elephants, and many other animals, away from their natural habitats, jeopardising their safety. During Damith’s exploration, a small elephant was found, hurt by a homemade explosive. Recent conflicts between elephants and humans emphasise the need for conservation and proper waste management. Immediate action is crucial to protect both wildlife and communities.

  • Raymond Zhang: Walking on the Palette, 2024 (David Wolf Kaye Future Potential award)

    Farming terraces such as these are a common sight in Yuanyang, Yunnan Province, China. Here we see a farmer who is walking on the terrace, which looks like a colour palette. This image was photographed by Zhang, a 14-year-old student from Shanghai who applied for this award dedicated to mentoring and recognising film-makers and photographers under the age of 25
    Raymond Zhang: Walking on the Palette, 2024 (David Wolf Kaye Future Potential award) Raymond Zhang, for his photograph Walking on the Palette.Award A photographer and a filmmaker aged 25 or under receives the David Wolf Kaye Future Potential Awards, a cash prize of £250 towards the cost of their next project, and mentoring by a leading photographer or filmmaker. Raymond Zhang, a fourteen-year-old student from Shanghai, China, is awarded the David Wolf Kaye Future Potential Award - Photo. His photograph Walking on the Palette, documents a farmer walking along terraces found in Southern China, capturing the depths of the colour palettes within the landscape. ‘‘I take photographs of scenery and people during my travel with my parents. I hope you like the stories behind the photos,’’ says the young artist.

  • Marilene Ribeiro: Open Fire series, 2022 (Photoworks Digital Residency award)

    Brazil’s history of forest fires in the Amazon region is marked on 10 August and is known as the ‘Day of Fire’, when rural producers in northern Brazil are said to have started an organised movement to set fire to large areas of forest land. Ribeiro photographed key conservation areas in Brazil. After being developed, she burned the film – reproducing the process that has been endured by the landscape
    Marilene Ribeiro: Open Fire series, 2022 (Photoworks Digital Residency Award)This series tells the tale of a planet ablaze, in response to the devastating forest fires that happen across the world. Brazil’s history of forest fires in the Amazon region is marked on 10 August and is known as the ‘Day of Fire’, when rural producers in northern Brazil are said to have started an organised movement to set fire to large areas of forest land. Recently one of the planet’s megadiversity regions, the Pantanal, experienced an unprecedented fire season, a third of its area and more than 17 million animals were lost; it was an ecocide. More than 90% of fires are started by human action. With a medium-format camera, Marilene Ribeiro photographed key conservation areas in Brazil. After being developed, she burnt the film – reproducing the process that has been endured by the landscape

  • Anna Korbut: Changing Landscapes, 2023

    While it is natural for the water of glaciers to become fluid again, and for our world to change, human activity is damaging our planet’s most delicate ecosystems. To protect them from melting at an increased rate, this glacier in Switzerland is covered with fabric. The textures of the fabrics meld with the rawness of the ice, in an attempt to stop the glacier from becoming water again. Switzerland’s glaciers have lost a third of their volume during the last decade and 10% in the last two years
    Anna Korbut: Changing Landscapes, 2023 This image powerfully illustrates climate change, focusing on melting glaciers. While it is natural for the water of glaciers to become fluid again, and for our world to change, human activity is impacting negatively on our planet’s most delicate ecosystems and is causing catastrophic changes at an unprecedented rate. To protect them from melting at an increased rate, this glacier in Switzerland is covered with fabric. The textures of the fabrics meld with the rawness of the ice, showing the last attempt to stop the glacier from becoming water again. Switzerland’s glaciers have lost one-third of their volume during the last decade and 10% in the last two years.

  • Taylor Roades: Alaska Rust Rivers, 2023 (New Scientist Editors’ award)

    The remote Western Brooks range of north-west Alaska has recorded a 2.4 degree increase in temperature since 2006. Permafrost, the layer of soil that remains frozen throughout the year, is thawing at an unprecedented rate, exposing the bedrock and all of the metals that have been frozen within it. Tukpahlearick Creek and its tributaries are now flowing bright orange with oxidised iron and sulphuric acid from the meltwater. This change to water quality poses a threat to the ecosystems downstream that rely on these waters
    Taylor Roades: Alaska Rust Rivers, 2023 (The New Scientist Editors Award)The remote Western Brooks Range of Northwest Alaska has recorded a 2.4 degree increase in temperature since 2006. Permafrost, the layer of soil that remains frozen throughout the year, is thawing at an unprecedented rate, exposing the bedrock and all of the metals that have been frozen within it. Tukpahlearick Creek and its tributaries are now flowing bright orange with oxidised iron and sulphuric acid from the meltwater. This change to water quality poses a threat to the ecosystems downstream that rely on these waters

  • TJ Watt: Flores Island Cedar (National Trust Attingham award)

    Watt has been finding and protecting ancient trees in British Columbia for more than two decades. Using satellite imagery, LiDAR and drones, the artist uses conservation photography to build public campaigns to shift policy toward the protection of ancient forests and the ecosystems that call them home. This image depicts a gargantuan western red cedar that measures over 5m (17ft) wide near its base and is 46m (151ft) tall. Given its size, it’s probably well over a thousand years old
    TJ Watt: Flores Island Cedar (The National Trust Attingham Award)TJ Watt has been finding and protecting ancient trees in British Columbia for over two decades. Using satellite imagery, LiDAR and drones, the artist uses conservation photography to build public campaigns to shift policy toward the protection of ancient forests and the ecosystems that call them home. This image depicts a gargantuan western red cedar that measures over 5m (17ft) wide near its base and is 46m (151ft) tall. Given its size, it’s likely well over a thousand years old

  • Sandipani Chattopadhyay: Faith Beyond Toxicity, 2023

    Chhat pilgrims, immersed in rituals along the polluted Yamuna River in India, face a stark contradiction of spirituality and environmental decay. The holy river often teems with toxins, endangering both worshippers and the ecosystem. As devotees pray and float lamps, they unwittingly expose themselves to hazardous contaminants. Urgent action is needed to mitigate this crisis, to safeguard the environment, spiritual practices and public health
    Sandipani Chattopadhyay: Faith Beyond Toxicity, 2023 Chhat pilgrims, immersed in rituals along the polluted Yamuna River in India, face a stark contradiction of spirituality and environmental decay. The holy river often teems with toxins, endangering both worshippers and the ecosystem. As devotees pray and float lamps, they unwittingly expose themselves to hazardous contaminants. Urgent action is needed to mitigate this crisis, to safeguard the environment, spiritual practices and public health. Balancing reverence with environmental stewardship is crucial to sustain sacred traditions and protect devotees from harm. The highly toxic Yamuna River jeopardises both human health and aquatic life. Hopefully, through awareness and the development of new waste management programmes, the tide of toxicity can be reversed to preserve a habitable world for the future.

  • Mominul Islam Momin: Alone, 2021

    A lonely swamp tree stands in the water of Nikli Haor, located in Nikli Upazila in the Kishoreganj district of Bangladesh. The reflection of the sun over the small waves of Haor water will capture anyone’s heart. The water of Nikli Haor recedes at the beginning of the dry season. In the next few months the place becomes green with paddy fields. It is about 110km away from the country’s capital Dhaka, and is one of the largest freshwater wetlands in Bangladesh
    Mominul Islam Momin: Alone, 2021 A lonely swamp tree stands in the water of Nikli Haor, located in Nikli Upazila in the Kishoreganj district. The reflection of the sun over the small waves of Haor water will capture anyone’s heart. The water of Nikli Haor recedes at the beginning of the dry season. In the next few months the place becomes green with paddy fields. It is about 110 km away from the country’s capital Dhaka, and is one of the largest freshwater wetlands in Bangladesh.
Topics