COVID-19 pandemic is causing unprecedented upheaval and changing our lives forever. But it also provides an opportunity to reflect on how we can do more to protect the environment and the planet and to grow back better after the economic downturn.
Many people have commented that they were more aware and appreciative of the beauty of our natural surroundings during the lockdown.
The World Meteorological Organization are therefore really looking forward to high-quality and artistic photographs, and especially those which illustrate the theme of World Meteorological Day 2021, “The Ocean, our climate and weather.”
The Ocean covers 70% of the Earth’s surface and provides resources on which we depend. It is a major driver of the world’s weather and climate and stores more than 90% of excess heat generated by human activities.
It provides endless fascination and inspiration for photographs which demonstrate its amazing beauty and power and fragility. The WMO are looking for images of the Ocean itself, as well as its effect on our climate and weather and water cycle. The opportunities are endless.
As a U.N. agency, they are keen to encourage a good geographical balance which represents all regions.
Winning entries will feature in the WMO 2021 online calendar. They will be showcased on the WMO website and social media platforms and feature prominently in our World Meteorological Day 2021 celebrations. We will also promote them among other U.N. agencies and showcase them during the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development to be held from 2021-2030
As always, there will be lots of recognition but no financial reward!
Since it was launched in 2014, the WMO calendar competition has gained in stature and recognition. The United Nations regularly features our photos. Some National Meteorological and Hydrological Services also run their own photo contests and feed these entries to WMO.
WMO received many outstanding entries for the 2020 calendar and we thank everyone who participated.
We really look forward to this years’ competition for the 2021 calendar.