Dubai: Sitting under fluorescent lights at work, gazing at buildings and traffic all day, there is a hunger building up in most people.
According to research published in the journal Psychology Today, human beings innately yearn for a connection with Nature.
Long spells away from the natural world can create what American author Richard Louv calls ‘nature-deficit disorder’ – the human cost of alienation from Nature.
He warned that this lack of exposure in the lives of today’s wired generation has led to disturbing childhood trends, such as a rise in obesity, attention deficit disorder (ADD), and depression.
Experts have also found that outdoor education is critical for child development, as it helps secure the future of the planet. When people feel more connected to Nature, they are more likely to live sustainable lifestyles, support environmental causes and generally become more responsible and conscientious inhabitants of planet Earth.
Our reader photographers are no strangers to the natural world. Through photography, they have, time and again, captured the glory of pristine landscapes and wildlife.
This month, we asked Gulf News’ twitter followers to select the top three reader photographs. Of the three pictures on the editors’ shortlist, they retweeted the picture they liked best. The pictures were ranked based on the highest number of retweets. Here, we present the winners.
Editor’s note: Do you want to participate in our monthly Reader Picture Competition? Send us your best photographs, with captions, at readers@gulfnews.com.
First place
Gulf News reader Thulasi Krishnan’s photograph captured the drama of sunset near the Burj Al Arab, in Dubai.
He secured first place with 24 retweets and 23 likes.
Second place
Gulf News reader Naiju Varghese captured this picture at Al Qudra Lake in Dubai. He said: ‘A flock of flamingos were starting to take off.’
His photograph received 14 retweets and 16 likes.
Third place
For Gulf News reader Ahmad Riswan, this photograph took a long time to produce. He said: ‘Astrophotography is a passion and I had to wait almost two years to find a place without light pollution. My search for a clear night sky come to an end in Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, India.’
His photograph garnered 14 retweets and 22 likes.
