Applications open

The CJF-Edward Burtynsky Award for Climate Photojournalism

The CJF Edward Burtynsky Award for Climate Photojournalism celebrates provocative, impactful and inspirational climate photography from around the world. The award recognizes up to three images from a single photographer that collectively furthers people’s understanding of the causes and effects of the climate crisis.

The winner will receive a $5,000 prize presented at the CJF’s annual Awards ceremony in Toronto in June.

Submissions are open to Canadian professional photojournalists employed by Canadian news outlets or working freelance for a Canadian news organization.

Criteria for submissions are as follows:

The images must relate to the climate crisis and/or show people impacted by the climate crisis and/or trying to reverse or mitigate climate change;
Images must have been taken between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2025;
Submissions must be from a professional photojournalist employed by a Canadian news organization, or from a Canadian freelance photojournalist published by a Canadian news outlet;
Applicants must include a description of the images (maximum of 250 words) with their submission); and
Applicants must include their CV/resume with their submissions.

Each applicant is restricted to one submission.

Applications for 2026 are now open. The deadline for submissions is January 23, 2026, 11:59 pm ET.

Apply now

This award is generously supported by Marci McDonald and Clair Balfour and Lisa Balfour Bowen and Sony.