Trust for Sustainable Living is eager to listen to the voices of students as they share their unique perspectives on how nature can actively contribute to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within their respective communities. Students are granted the freedom to approach this subject in a manner that resonates with them personally. They may opt to concentrate on a single SDG that holds particular significance for their community, or they can delve into multiple SDGs they believe are pivotal issues, exploring the ways in which nature has the potential to drive positive change.
Since the first competition was launched in 2010, over 14,000 essay and video entries have been received from 120 countries. These entries have explored a wide range of topics, including sustainability education, protecting biodiversity, sustainable cities, climate justice, nature-based solutions, and youth messages to world leaders.
This year, in celebration of the 15th anniversary of International Student Competitions, the next competition has been launched with great excitement. Students are invited to share their original, creative, and expressive responses to the theme “From Eco-Anxiety to Eco Action & Empowerment.”
Eco-anxiety, climate grief, and climate anxiety are defined as negative emotional responses stemming from the threat of environmental and climate crises. A 2024 United Nations report has highlighted that eco-anxiety is an “emergency crisis hidden in plain sight,” likely to have a significant impact on children and youth worldwide.
Recent global surveys have revealed that over 50% of young people are experiencing eco-anxiety and are deeply concerned about environmental and climate change. Many report feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, powerlessness, helplessness, and guilt. These emotional responses, while natural and healthy, are believed by many to be potential catalysts for engagement and action. Feelings of anxiety and anger can be channeled into positive efforts at both individual and group levels, as evidenced by the rise in youth engagement and activism in recent years.
In response, TSL aims to help young people develop a sense of agency, empowerment, and hope by creating a supportive space for expression. This initiative provides students and teachers with the opportunity to explore ways of moving from feelings of eco-anxiety to eco-action and empowerment.
The competition welcomes any form of student response, allowing participants to choose from a wide range of creative outlets. Students are encouraged to submit artwork, music, videos, poems, essays, letters, stories, or any other medium that best reflects their interpretation of the theme. While there are no restrictions on the type of work submitted, entries must adhere to the submission criteria outlined in the brief. This open and creative approach allows students to freely express their ideas and emotions as they engage with the theme.
Benefits
- Our overall Grand Prize Winner will receive a trophy and a cash prize of £1000 plus £500 for their school, with one
- Runner Up will receive a trophy and a cash prize of £500 plus £250 for their school (cash prizes paid in local currency).
- All participating Teacher Champions, Finalists, Honourable Mentions and International Debate participants, will receive personalised e-certificates.
Requirements
The International Student Competition is open to all students worldwide, aged 7-18 across two age categories – 7-11 years and 12-18 years
Selection Process
Judging criteria
Our entries will be judged by an international panel of sustainability experts and educationalists, who will select the winning entries in each category.
The judges are looking for originality and creativity in all formats – and the potential to contribute to constructive national or international debate. Unique perspectives often score highly.
Our judges will be scoring entries on:
- Understanding of the topic
- Originality, innovation and creativity
- Inspirational power
- Communication and presentation of idea (effective use of chosen medium)
Each student’s age is taken into account when judging, so that younger students are not at a disadvantage when compared with older students.
Key dates
- September 2024: TSL 2025 Competition Launch – ECO ANXIETY. Registration for Teacher Champions/Schools to participate in the TSL 2025 Student Competition will open on the TSL Submittable page on 4th October.
- 03 March 2025: Final deadline for all entries.
- 01 May 2025: Announcement of International Competition 2025 Finalists & Honourable Mentions on TSL website
- 23 May 2025: Top Ten Finalists from Primary and Secondary categories notified via Teacher Champion.
- 27-28 May 25: Invitations to participate in the International Student Debates sent to eligible students via their Teacher Champion.
- Summer 2025: International Student Debates & Awards (online)
Method of Application
As a reminder:
- Accepted file formats: DOC, DOCX, PDF, JPG, PNG, MP3 or MP4
- Maximum file size: 400MB (for any file type)
- Word limit: Written entries should be a maximum 600 words (not including the bibliography and 250 word maximum self reflection)
- Duration limit: Video or audio pieces should be a maximum of 3 minutes long
Application Deadline: March 3, 2025.
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