Green Horizons Environmental Essay Contest

Tell us your vision for a sustainable future

About the Contest

The Green Horizons Environmental Essay Contest brings together passionate writers, environmental enthusiasts, and concerned citizens to articulate their visions for a sustainable future. Now in its 10th year, this competition seeks to inspire innovative thinking and creative approaches to addressing our planet's most pressing environmental challenges.

We believe that powerful words can change the world. Through your essays, we aim to showcase diverse perspectives on environmental conservation, sustainability, and our relationship with nature. The most compelling pieces will not only address problems but also propose thoughtful solutions that individuals, communities, and governments can implement.

Did you know? Last year, we received over 4,500 submissions from 87 countries, demonstrating a global commitment to environmental storytelling.

2024 Contest Theme: "Nature's Resilience: Pathways to Recovery"

This year, we invite submissions that explore how ecosystems rebound from disturbance and how human interventions can accelerate natural healing processes. Potential topics include but are not limited to:

Restoration ecology and rewilding projects worldwide
Indigenous approaches to land management and ecosystem healing
Technological innovations supporting environmental recovery
Community-led conservation initiatives
Personal connections to recovering natural spaces
Policy frameworks that support ecological resilience

Eligibility & Submission Guidelines

Who Can Enter:

The contest is open to individuals worldwide
Two age categories: Junior (15-18 years) and Adult (19 years and above)
Previous winners are eligible to submit, though not in the same category they previously won

What to Submit:

Original essays between 800-1,500 words
Written in English
Previously unpublished works (including personal blogs or social media)
Essays that address the contest theme

Format Requirements:

Submit your essay as a PDF, Microsoft Word, or Google Doc
Include your name, age category, contact information, and essay title in the document
Remove any identifying information from the main body of the essay
Use 12-point font, Times New Roman or Arial
Double-space your essay
Include a brief biography (maximum 50 words) at the end
Cite sources using a consistent citation style (APA, MLA, or Chicago)
Submit only one essay per person

Prizes

Adult Category

1st Prize: $2,500 + Publication in Environmental Review Magazine + Eco-conscious travel voucher
2nd Prize: $1,500 + Publication in Environmental Review Magazine
3rd Prize: $750
Honorable Mentions (5 winners): $100 each

Junior Category

1st Prize: $1,500 + Eco-friendly laptop computer
2nd Prize: $750 + Environmental science resources
3rd Prize: $350
Honorable Mentions (5 winners): $75 each

Judging Criteria

All essays will be evaluated by a panel of environmental scientists, science communicators, and professional writers. Our judges will assess submissions based on the following criteria: