We asked students to submit photos related to the themes of development, climate, sustainability, and the theme of our 2024/25 Annual Issue: Escalating Consequences.

Congratulations for all of our winners, and thank you to all the participants who submitted incredible photos from around the world!

FIRST PLACE WINNER:

Echoes of a simpler time by zain abid

Forgotten boats lie scattered along the shore of Hoàn Kiếm Lake, once a sanctuary of quiet reflection. Now, the historic site is engulfed by waves of tourists, transforming what was once a peaceful retreat into a crowded spectacle. As economic growth surges, the city’s cultural identity hangs in the balance—what is gained, and what is lost, when history becomes a backdrop for commerce?

SECOND PLACE WINNER:

Tibetan Yaks Grazing in the Highlands I by yiwei zhao

Yaks are integral to the livelihoods of Tibetan herders, providing essential resources such as meat, milk, and fiber. Their grazing practices are deeply intertwined with sustainable land management, preserving the delicate balance of the high-altitude ecosystem.

THIRD PLACE WINNER:

First Snow at Song Kul, Kyrgyzstan BY abdul sanderson

Nestled high in the Tien Shan mountains, Song Kul has long been home to Kyrgyz nomadic herders, relying on seasonal rhythms for survival. However, climate unpredictability is disrupting traditional herding cycles. Earlier and harsher snowfalls make migration patterns unpredictable, challenging a way of life that has persisted for centuries. The yurt settlement bathed in the golden glow of sunrise reflects both the beauty and fragility of cultural sustainability in a rapidly changing world.

FOURTH PLACE WINNER:

delhi marigolds BY Emily henson

Vendors in Old Delhi preserve cultural heritage by selling vibrant marigolds for Arti ceremonies.

FIFTH PLACE WINNER:

nourish BY CHarlotte freed

Women harvesting green beans, Bassar, Sine Saloum Delta, Senegal.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

local fisherman BY Krithiga narayanan

Local fishermen making wooden molds for growing sea grass eaten by Dugong, a vulnerable marine mammal related to sea cows.

peace in the rice fields BY zain abid

Once a battlefield soaked in blood, Bali’s rice fields now stand as a UNESCO World Heritage site, protected from destruction yet caught in the crossfire of conservation and development. As tourism and urban expansion push forward, questions arise: can culture and environment coexist with economic growth, or will preservation always come at a cost?