Honorable Mention / 2023 / Nature / Water

• Photographer
  Yuang Li, United States

The Salton Sea, an inland lake located in California, USA, was once a famous leisure destination in the last century. However, due to agricultural development and climate change, the environmental conditions in the area have been deteriorating for several decades, resulting in the decline of the local tourism industry. As I approached the lake, I captured an image of the polluted water surface. The intricate patterns on the water were both mesmerizing and haunting, seemingly reflecting the Salton Sea's legendary history and current challenges.