UK, Indian Partners Launch Climate Action Photography Exhibition in Kolkata to Mark World Environment Day
IBG NEWS | Kolkata | June 10, 2026
A unique exhibition celebrating climate action, biodiversity, and environmental conservation was inaugurated in Kolkata as part of World Environment Day observances, bringing together artists, photographers, conservationists, and academic institutions to promote awareness about the planet’s most pressing ecological challenges.
Titled “Contours of Climate Action: Our Planet, Our Lens,” the exhibition was inaugurated on 9 June 2026 at the Kolkata Centre for Creativity (KCC). The initiative has been jointly organised by the British Deputy High Commission Kolkata, the Indo-British Scholars’ Association (IBSA), Kolkata Centre for Creativity (KCC), and the Kolkata Society for Cultural Heritage (KSCH), with support from the IEM-UEM Group, Roundglass Sustain, Heritage Bengal Global Connect, and Vedic Village Spa Resort (Vedic Wellness).
The exhibition showcases photographs selected from an international contest that invited photographers and visual storytellers to capture compelling images highlighting conservation efforts and climate action. The entries were evaluated by an eminent jury comprising internationally acclaimed nature and conservation photographer Dhritiman Mukherjee, Haimanti Poddar, Senior Climate and Energy Advisor at the British Deputy High Commission Kolkata, and award-winning wildlife and natural history filmmaker Ashwika Kapur.
The initiative reflects the shared commitment of the United Kingdom and India to addressing climate and environmental challenges through collaboration, public engagement, and people-to-people partnerships under the framework of the India-UK Vision 2035. By encouraging community-led climate initiatives and innovative environmental solutions, the project aims to contribute to a sustainable, resilient, and low-carbon future.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East and Northeast India, expressed satisfaction that multiple partnerships developed under the Climate and Energy pillar of the UK-India Vision 2035 had come together to create the exhibition.
He said he was impressed by the quality and diversity of the photographs, which successfully represented all four themes of the competition. Dr. Fleming also thanked the Kolkata Centre for Creativity for providing an inclusive venue and appreciated the participation of specially abled children from the Big Leap Inclusive Foundation, who contributed their own artwork during the event. He invited the public to visit the exhibition before 13 June 2026.
The exhibition features the work of finalists who were felicitated during the inaugural ceremony, alongside notable submissions from other participants. Visitors can also experience a special presentation of nature and habitat photography by Dhritiman Mukherjee and a dedicated conservation segment curated by Ashwika Kapur.
Richa Agarwal, Chairperson of Kolkata Centre for Creativity and CEO of Emami Art, said it was a privilege to host the exhibition alongside partners committed to raising awareness about one of the defining challenges of the modern era. She noted that visual storytelling has the power to bring distant environmental realities closer to people, highlight local conservation efforts, and encourage society to rethink its relationship with nature.
She added that art and culture can create meaningful spaces for dialogue on issues affecting the collective future and expressed hope for more collaborations that connect local audiences with globally significant conversations while inspiring greater public engagement.
The exhibition presents a visual journey through themes including nature and biodiversity, fragile habitats, clean energy, and pollution, illustrating the interconnected relationship between people and the environment.
Former IBSA President Subrata Paul said photography possesses a unique ability to inspire reflection, stimulate dialogue, and motivate action. He thanked all partner organisations for their collaboration and expressed hope that the visual narratives would encourage people to become more responsible stewards of the planet.
The selected photographs will remain on display at the Kolkata Centre for Creativity until 13 June 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., offering visitors an opportunity to engage with powerful visual stories that underscore the urgency of climate action and collective environmental responsibility.
