The April 2010 issue of National Geographic will be devoted to a single topic: fresh water. With striking visuals and in-depth reporting, we will focus on the emerging challenge of global freshwater shortages and the choices ahead as the world manages a limited supply. This coverage continues the magazine's tradition of documenting key environmental issues and educating readers to care about the planet. Chris Johns will provide insight into key freshwater issues facing us today as reported by a team of renowned National Geographic contributors.
Johns's career in photojournalism began while studying animal science at Oregon State University. He graduated with a degree in technical journalism and a minor in agriculture. He worked as a teaching assistant while studying for a master's degree in photojournalism at the University of Minnesota.
In 1975 Johns became a staff photographer at the Topeka (Kansas) Capital-Journal and in 1979 was named National Newspaper Photographer of the Year. In 1980 he joined the Seattle Times as a picture editor and special projects photographer. Three years later Johns became a freelance photographer largely working for Life, Time and National Geographic. National Geographic made him a contract photographer in 1985, and Johns joined the magazine staff in 1995.
In 1990 Johns photographed and wrote the critically acclaimed book Valley of Life: Africa's Great Rift. He followed with a National Geographic Society book, Hawaii's Hidden Treasures, which dealt with Hawaii's extinction crisis.
--As posted at National Geographic