The Economist Essay Competition for Young People

Deadline: 31 July 2019
Open to: people between 16 and 25 years old
Benefits: the winning essay will be published on The Economist‘s Open Future website and the winner will be invited to attend one of the three Open Future Festival events

 Description

What fundamental economic and political change, if any, is needed for an effective response to climate change?

THE ECONOMIST’s Open Future initiative was begun last year to make the case for political, economic and social freedoms at a time when these values are under assault. They want this exploration of ideas to involve our critics as well as our supporters.

As part of the initiative they are holding an essay contest.

Description: For decades the world has been aware that human activity is heating up the planet to dangerous levels, with potentially calamitous consequences. Despite efforts by government, business and individuals to curtail the trend, carbon emissions are still rising. Perhaps new thinking is needed, since previous attempts to deal with the problem have failed. So what might be done?

Eligibility

  • Open to people between 16 and 25 years old;
  • Essays should be no longer than 1,000 words.

Benefits

The winning essay will be published on The Economist‘s Open Future website and the winner will be invited to attend one of the three Open Future Festival events, to be held in Hong KongManchester and Chicagoon Saturday October 5th 2019. The Economist will pay for travel and accommodation; if the winner is under 18, we will pay for a guardian to accompany the winner as well. The names of the 20 long-listed finalists will be published online; each will receive a one-year digital subscription to The Economist.

How to apply?

Essayists should email their submissions with the subject “Open Future essay contest” to: OpenFuture@Economist.com. Please send only one, final submission, and place the text in the body of the email.

For more information please visit the official website.