The Guardian’s picture editors have selected a series of compelling photographs from around the world, capturing a wide range of events and moments from Wednesday, 22 July 2026.
Wildfires rage across Europe and the US
In Guadalajara, Spain, firefighters battle a wildfire in La Mierla that has devastated more than 29,000 hectares and forced the evacuation of several hundred people. In Palermo, Sicily, wildfires broke out on several parts of the Italian island, fueled by strong winds. In Var, France, smoke billowed over houses in the village of Cotignac as a wildfire burned nearby. In Pleasanton, California, an aircraft dropped fire retardant on a blaze named Little Fire as residents were ordered to evacuate.
Protests and climate activism
In Pasay, Philippines, a protester scuffled with police outside a meeting of foreign ministers at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In London, UK, climate activists from Fossil Free London staged a protest outside the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, calling on Andy Burnham and the new energy secretary, Miatta Fahnbulleh, to stop the Rosebank oil and gas field in the North Sea.
Rituals and daily life
In Bali, Indonesia, a child took part in the sacred Ngerebeg ritual in Tegallalang village, an ancient Hindu ceremony aimed at expelling evil spirits. In Banda Aceh, Indonesia, dancers performed the Tarek Pukat during the sea feast festival, giving thanks for abundant harvests. In Tokyo, Japan, a child ran in front of an illuminated apartment building on a housing estate in Kōtō.
Environmental and natural phenomena
In Kayseri, Turkey, a worker walked across the dried salt flats of Lake Palas Tuzla, where harvesting could not take place this year due to surface area expansion from heavy rainfall increasing the water level and preventing salt extraction. In Katra, India, a stranded Hindu devotee waited at the starting point of the pilgrimage to the holy Vaishno Devi temple after heavy rainfall suspended the journey for a third day. In Oregon, USA, a yellowjacket wasp held a piece of flesh from the carcass of a Northern Pacific rattlesnake on a road near Elkton.
