Now in its fourth year, CIWEM’s Environmental Photographer of the Year is one of the fastest growing photographic competitions in the world, with 2,500 pictures entered in 2009 from over 60 countries. It is an international showcase for the very best in environmental photography, honouring amateur and professional photographers who use their ability to raise awareness of environmental and social issues.

EPOTY is open to international photographers of any age and encourages entries that are contemporary, creative, resonant, original and beautiful. This year’s categories are Mott MacDonald’s Changing Climates; The Natural World; Quality of Life; Innovation in the Environment (New for 2010); The Underwater World (New for 2010); A View From the Western World (New for 2010); and CIWEM’s Young Environmental Photographer of the Year (Under 16 & Under 21).

Each year the judging panel is made up of some of the most respected environmental photographers in the industry, including Gary Braasch, winner of the Ansel Adams Award for Conservation Photography, and senior environmentalists such as Lord Chris Smith, Chairman of the Environment Agency. Individual pieces are judged on impact, creativity, composition, originality and technical abilities.