Earthzine, an online publication dedicated to promoting the societal benefits of Earth observation and Earth information, is conducting a competition to encourage students to explore the role of Earth observation in creating a sustainable world.
Students are invited to submit original essays that describe, reflect upon, or envision roles for Earth observation in improving sustainability around the globe. Earth observation includes technological solutions such as satellite observation, navigation and positioning systems; in situ observations, international web-based collaboration and data sharing initiatives; and social perspectives that address sustainability through a better understanding of our planet.. From local to global benefits, we are interested in essays that address the potential of Earth observation to meet the environmental challenges we face.
After an initial judges’ review, Earthzine will post candidate essays on its website. The author(s) of the essay will be invited to lead a blog about their essay and to participate in blogs of competing essays. Winners will be determined based on the overall quality of the essay and blog.
Winners will share $1,200 in prizes, with $500 for the first prize. They also will receive certificates. All finalists will receive an Earthzine T-shirt.
Eligibility: Enrollment in any (e.g. American, European, African, Asian, etc.) undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited college or university, attending full or part-time at the time of essay submission. Please indicate your anticipated year of graduation and the contact email of your registrar.
Submission Guidelines:
*The submission deadline is Dec. 22, 2011 (Solstice).
*Winners will be announced on March 20, 2012 (Equinox).
*Essays should be no longer than 2,500 words and should conform to Earthzine’s Writer’s Guidelines. See earthzine.org/about.
*All essays must be original and previously unpublished.
*Please include a brief (<100 words) biographical sketch of the student, corresponding mailing address and T-shirt size.
*Images are welcome, but must be either owned by the author or in the public domain.
*Failure to comply with the Submission Guidelines may result in disqualification.
*Earthzine reserves the right to edit any content posted on its site.
*Queries and final essays should be sent to Dr. David Mullins, Associate Editor for Education, at dmullins@sf.edu.