Photographers are urged to enter this year?s Environmental Photographer of the Year, a global competition that highlights issues such as global warming.

Open to amateur and professional photographers, the contest is designed to raise awareness of environmental and social issues. This year it includes an under-21 category, for the first time.

?We want to celebrate the power of photography and inspire people around the world to start taking care of our environment,? say organisers.

The competition is hosted by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management.

Judges include Environment Agency chief executive Barbara Young.

Category themes include Quality of Life and The Natural World.

Entries will be judged on impact, creativity, originality, composition and technical quality.

The closing date is 31 July.

For full details visit www.ciwem.org/awards/epoty

Picture: This image by Sudipto Das won last year’s title

Sudipto Das