Climate Action Takes Centre Stage at Kolkata Photo Exhibition Marking World Environment Day

An exhibition highlighting climate action, conservation and environmental sustainability was inaugurated in Kolkata on June 9 to mark World Environment Day.

Titled Contours of Climate Action: Our Planet, Our Lens, the exhibition is being held at Kolkata Centre for Creativity (KCC) and features photographs selected through an international contest that invited photographers and visual storytellers to document themes related to climate action and environmental conservation.

The exhibition is a collaborative initiative involving the British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, the Indo-British Scholars’ Association (IBSA), Kolkata Centre for Creativity and the Kolkata Society for Cultural Heritage. The project aims to encourage public engagement with climate and environmental issues through visual storytelling.

The photographs on display explore themes such as biodiversity, natural habitats, clean energy and pollution, offering visitors a glimpse into the complex relationship between people and the environment. Alongside the shortlisted entries, the exhibition also features a curated collection of nature and conservation images by award-winning photographer Dhritiman Mukherjee and a dedicated conservation segment by wildlife filmmaker Ashwika Kapur.

Speaking at the inauguration, Dr Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East and Northeast India, said, "I am delighted so many of the partnerships the British Deputy High Commission has forged to drive the Climate and Energy pillar of our UK-India Vision 2035 came together to deliver this photography exhibition. I am impressed by the quality and diversity of images exhibited which capture so well all four themes of our photography contest." The exhibition also recognised finalists of the photography contest, who were felicitated during the event.

Richa Agarwal, Chairperson of KCC, said visual storytelling has the power to make environmental issues more accessible and relatable. She noted that art and culture can create meaningful spaces for dialogue on global challenges while fostering greater awareness and community engagement.

Subrata Paul, former president of IBSA, said photography can inspire reflection and action by drawing attention to stories of nature, biodiversity and conservation. He expressed hope that the exhibition would encourage visitors to become more conscious custodians of the environment.

The exhibition will remain open until June 13 and seeks to spotlight community-driven climate action and sustainable solutions while strengthening dialogue around environmental stewardship.