CJF-Edward Burtynsky Award for Climate Photojournalism

Photojournalist Dustin Patar is the recipient of the 2023 CJF-Edward Burtynsky Award for Climate Photojournalism.

TORONTO—Dec. 12, 2022 – The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) launched the new CJF-Edward Burtynsky Award for Climate Photojournalism, celebrating provocative, impactful and inspirational climate photography from around the world. The award recognizes a single image that furthers people’s understanding of the causes and effects of the climate crisis.

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

“The CJF is thrilled to launch this important and timely award named for one of the world’s most renowned photographers,” says CJF President and Executive Director Natalie Turvey. “Understanding and addressing climate change is an issue of paramount importance, and compelling images both help us to understand the scope of the threat and inspire us to act.” 

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

Criteria for submissions are as follows:

• The image must relate to the climate crisis and/or show people impacted by the climate crisis and/or trying to reverse or mitigate climate change;
• Image must have been taken between Jan. 1, 2022, and Dec. 31, 2022;
• 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 image (maximum of 250 words) with their submission); and
• Applicants must include their CV/resume with their submissions.

Each applicant is restricted to one submission. 

“I am so pleased to be part of launching this important new award with the Canadian Journalism Foundation. The power of the photographic image at this point in time is undeniable and it represents an integral opportunity for the intersection of art, storytelling and scientific discourse as we seek to recognize excellence and impact where the climate crisis is concerned. I look forward to celebrating the photographers who have focussed their lens on this subject matter,” says Edward Burtynsky.

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