UK inaugurates exhibition on climate action to mark World Environment Day

Kolkata, 10 June 2026: Contours of Climate Action: Our Planet, Our Lens, an exhibition to mark World Environment Day was inaugurated in Kolkata on 9 June 2026.

This exhibition is organised jointly by British Deputy High Commission Kolkata, Indo-British Scholars’ Association (IBSA), Kolkata Centre for Creativity (KCC) and Kolkata Society for Cultural Heritage (KSCH) supported by IEM-UEM Group, Roundglass Sustain, Heritage Bengal Global Connect and Vedic Village Spa Resort (Vedic Wellness).

Images exhibited in the exhibition at Kolkata Centre for Creativity were part of an international contest run by the organisers inviting photographers and visual storytellers to capture compelling images on conservation and climate action. The jury of this photography contest were Dhritiman Mukherjee, internationally recognised award-winning nature and conservation photographer, Haimanti Poddar, Senior Climate and Energy Advisor, British Deputy High Commission Kolkata and Ashwika Kapur, award winning wildlife and natural history filmmaker.

This initiative reflects the UK and India’s shared commitment to addressing climate and environment issues through collaboration, public engagement and people‑to‑people partnerships, as set out under the India-UK Vision 2035. By amplifying community‑led climate action and innovative solutions, the contest supports the UK and India’s broader ambition to advance sustainable development and a resilient, low‑carbon future.

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. I want to especially thank Kolkata Centre for Creativity for providing this inclusive and accessible space and was delighted some specially abled children from Big Leap Inclusive Foundation not only joined but also shared their amazing artwork. Do visit on or before 13th June if you can.’’

The exhibition brings together a compelling collection of photographs showcasing the work of finalists—who were felicitated during the event—as well as notable entries from other participants. It also features a distinguished presentation of nature and habitat imagery by Dhritiman Mukherjee, alongside a dedicated conservation segment by Ashwika Kapur.

Richa Agarwal, Chairperson, KCC and CEO, Emami Art said, “It has been a privilege to host this exhibition and collaborate with partners who share a commitment to raising awareness about one of the defining challenges of our time. The photographs on display demonstrated how powerful visual storytelling can be in bringing distant realities closer, highlighting local efforts, and encouraging us to think more deeply about our relationship with the natural world. At Kolkata Centre for Creativity, we believe that art and culture can create meaningful spaces for dialogue around issues that affect our shared future. We look forward to supporting more such collaborations that connect local audiences with globally relevant conversations and inspire greater awareness and engagement.”

This exhibition showcases a visual melange of images and installation that demonstrates the fragile and interchanging relationships between our planet, its people and habitat. Images depicted themes of nature and biodiversity, habitat, clean energy and pollution.

Subrata Paul, Former President, IBSA, said: “On behalf of the Indo British Scholars’ Association, I want to thank all our partners who have collaborated on this project. Photography has the unique ability to inspire reflection, spark dialogue, and motivate action. This exhibition celebrates the creativity and commitment of photographers who have captured stories of nature, biodiversity, and some amazing habitats. May these visual narratives encourage us all to become more responsible stewards of our planet.

Selected photographs will be exhibited at KCC till 13 June 2026 (11 am to 6 pm) as part of World Environment Day commemorations, engaging audiences in meaningful dialogue and inspiring collective action.

(This story has not been edited by News Mania staff and is published from a Media Release)