Earth Photo 2026 winners announced: from poaching forensics to climate resistance

The Earth Photo 2026 awards have been revealed, with Britta Jaschinski taking home the top honor for her project 'Tracking the Invisible', which highlights forensic methods used to fight illegal wildlife trafficking. Featured in her work is Mark Moseley, a forensic investigator from London's metropolitan police, seen dusting an elephant tusk seized at Heathrow airport. The David Wolf Kaye Future Potential award went to Filbert Minja for 'Roots of Healing', which showcases Indigenous herbalists in Tanzania's Kilimanjaro and Arusha areas. Natalya Saprunova earned the New Scientist Editors award for 'Shifting Seasons', focusing on permafrost thaw in Canada's Northwest Territories. Payal Kakkar received the Royal Geographical Society Climate of Change award for 'Lives of Extraction', documenting the Khairwar Indigenous community's fight against coal mining in Singrauli, India. Marco Garro was awarded the Photoworks Digital Residency for 'Quiulacocha', which examines mining pollution in Cerro de Pasco, Peru. Additionally, Gideon Mendel was recognized for his film 'Drowning World' in the Moving Image award category. The exhibition is on display at the Royal Geographical Society in London until 24 July, with an interactive event, Summit Photo, scheduled from 17-19 July.