A rainbow forms on water from a spray machine used to suppress coal dust at the Krasnogorsky open pit coal mine, operated by Mechel PJSC, in Mezhdurechensk, Russia, on Monday, July 19, 2021. Russia’s government is betting that coal consumption will continue to rise in big Asian markets like China even as it dries up elsewhere. (Photo by Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg)

A devotee dressed as a Roman soldier whips a penitent playing the role of one of two thieves sentenced to be crucified alongside Jesus Christ, during the Via Crucis or Way of the Cross reenactment in the Petare neighborhood of Caracas, Venezuela, Friday, April 15, 2022. Holy Week commemorates the last week of the earthly life of Jesus Christ culminating in his crucifixion on Good Friday and his resurrection on Easter Sunday. (Photo by Matias Delacroix/AP Photo)

Anti government protesters splash water on each other as they celebrate the traditional Songkran new year festival during a protest in Bangkok, Thailand, 13 April 2022. (Photo by Diego Azubel/EPA/EFE)

An Asian elephant cools off at the zoo during the World Elephant Day in Lodz, central Poland, 12 August 2022. The World Elephant Day is observed every year on August 12. (Photo by Grzegorz Michalowski/EPA/EFE/Rex Features/Shutterstock)

A worker stands next to a Southern Two-toed Sloth at the Sloth and Friends Studio inside Hong Kong Ocean Park on August 3, 2023 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Vernon Yuen/Rex Features/Shutterstock)

England's Marcus Smith reacts as he scores a try during the Six Nations rugby union international match between France and England at Groupama Stadium, Lyon, France, Saturday, March 16, 2024. (Photo by Laurent Cipriani/AP Photo)

Climate activists of the “Last Generation” covered with mud protest in front of the Senate building in Rome, Italy, Tuesday, May 23, 2023. Two bare breast activists have smeared the facade of the senate with mud, shouting the slogan: “Help us for the ecological transition”. (Photo by Cecilia Fabiano/LaPresse via EXPA)

Runner-up. “The heavens opened and the streets around Shibuya, Tokyo, were suddenly drenched in even more colour and movement. I was taking photos (my friend was holding the umbrella) when I noticed this woman at the crossing. I’m pleased with the futuristic feel of the image”. (Photo by Katherine Bridgestock/The Guardian)