SL Shanth Kumar is the Ciwem Environmental Photographer of the Year 2019 for his image of flood-hit homes in Mumbai
The Environmental Photographer of the Year Competition Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management – CIWEM presents the best environmental photography. The photos highlight the disastrous impacts being caused on our planet, such as climate change and pollution that destroy ecosystems. The competition demonstrates humanity's ability to survive and innovate, demonstrating that we can overcome challenges to live sustainably. CIWEM's photography initiative supports the urgent calls to action of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and recognizes the complex interconnected nature of social and environmental issues.
Check out the winners:
High Tide Enters Home by SL Shanth Kumar, Mumbai
Photography: SL Shanth Kumar / 2019 Ciwem Environmental Photographer of the Year
Environmental Photographer of the Year: A massive wave hits a slum, forcing a fisherman from his home in Bandra, Mumbai, India. He is pulled away by strong currents, but is rescued by other fishermen before the sea swallows him. Mumbai is at risk of coastal flooding, a consequence of climate change. The city's land and sea temperatures have risen, causing a corresponding impact on sea levels.
Tuvalu Under the Rising Tide by Sean Gallagher, Tuvalu
Photography: Sean Gallagher / 2019 Ciwem Environmental Photographer of the Year
Award for changing the environmentFallen trees lie on the beach as the waves of Funafuti Lagoon, Tuvalu, lap around them. Land erosion has always been a problem for the South Pacific country, but the problems are intensifying as sea levels rise. Rising seas are about to completely submerge the archipelago's small islands.
Polluted New Year by Eliud Gil Samaniego, Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico
Photography: Eliud Gil Samaniego / 2019 Ciwem Environmental Photographer of the Year
Sustainable Cities Award: On January 1, 2018, Mexicali was one of the most polluted cities in the world because of climate change, its geographic location, industry and cars.
Water Shortage by Dharshie Wissah, Kakamega, Kenya
Photography: Dharshie Wissah / 2019 Ciwem Environmental Photographer of the Year
Water, Equality and Sustainability Award: A boy drinks dirty water due to the lack of water sources in the area caused by deforestation. The lack of clean water greatly increases the risk of diarrheal diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and other waterborne tropical diseases.
Forest Remains by J Henry Fair, Niederzier, Germany
Photography: J Henry Fair / 2019 Ciwem Environmental Photographer of the Year
Climate Action and Energy Award: The Hambach Forest was nearly 12,000 years old when it was purchased by an energy company to mine the brown coal buried beneath. The ancient forest was once the size of Manhattan. Now, only 10% of it remains.
Desperate Measures by Neville Ngomane, Limpopo, South Africa
Photography: Neville Ngomane / 2019 Ciwem Environmental Photographer of the Year
Young Environmental Photographer of the Year: This rhino is being dehorned in an attempt to protect it from poaching. With the current severe level of poaching, experts recommend dehorning rhinos every 12 to 24 months to effectively deter poachers.
You can check the CIWEM Environmental Photographers of the Year gallery here.
